Ch. 891..900

Chapter 891: Friends and rivals

"I'm happy you didn't forget about me," Zina said.

Dawn was surprised to hear this. "Why would I forget about you?"

Zina shrugged. "Well, now you have your mate and the endless orgasms you always wanted. It would be easy for you to forget your life before George appeared."

Dawn giggled. "I won't deny it. It's great. But I will never forget who I was and my friends because of that."

Zina sighed audibly. "I wouldn't know."

Dawn reached to hold Zina's hand. "You will find your mate soon, Zi. He is out there, waiting for you, just how you are waiting for him. Believe in the Moon Goddess, and don't lose hope. The more hardship you go through before you meet your mate, the better it will be when you finally find each other. You will see that a mate is a wonderful addition to what you have already. You will want to make him happy, and he will want to do the same for you in return. Just how I couldn't ask George to leave his work and his life…" Revenge was a better word, "He wouldn't ask me to drop the things that are important to me."

Zina thought how it sounded fantastic, but… "Not everyone is the same."

"I assume you have someone on your mind," Dawn said cautiously.

Zina nodded. "Steph."

Dawn was alerted. "Is her mate abusive?"

"It doesn't look like it. I mean, they seem to be smitten and happy, but…" Zina hesitated. "You know that Steph was always hovering around Lisa. Lisa was in the Lightclaw pack, but Steph knew where Lisa was and with whom. Is it possible that the mate bond impacted Steph so much that she doesn't care if Lisa is in trouble?"

Dawn knew that Zina blamed herself for the rogues' attack on the Blue River pack. One of the theories was that Zina told Steph about Talia's whereabouts, and Steph was the one who gave that information to Lisa (and rogues). Those were just guesses, and they didn't have proof it actually happened, but Zina still felt guilty about it, and now it seemed that Zina blamed Stephanie.

"Tell me from the beginning," Dawn demanded.

"There is not much to tell, and that's the problem. Steph and Richard stop by every few days to catch up. Richard goes into the garden, and Steph helps out in the kitchen, or she makes coffee for Trisha and me. Steph talks about anything and everything except Lisa. Maya hinted that we don't know anything related to Lisa's mate and that he should come so we can all meet him, and Steph brushed it off, saying how he is busy."

"Did Steph meet him?"

"No. And that's another red flag. Steph said she doesn't know who Lisa's mate is or where Lisa is. Don't you think it's strange? She should at least tell us which pack Lisa joined."

Dawn agreed with this. Stephanie was known to hover around Lisa, yet now she acted like Lisa was unimportant. "Don't overthink it, Zi. You know that Lisa caused a lot of trouble recently. She is not a child anymore, and now she also has a mate. Maybe Steph finally decided to be happy and let Lisa take responsibility for her actions."

"Do you believe that? This is Steph we are talking about."

Dawn puffed her cheeks. Did she believe that? No. She was just comforting Zina. But there was a point… "If anything is off with Steph, I'm sure Damon and Talia are on top of it."

Zina leaned into her chair and stared at the sky that had a few clouds on it. "I don't know, Di. Our Alpha has a soft spot for a woman who raised him after his parents died."

"You don't think that Steph is coming to the packhouse with the purpose of getting information for rogues, do you?" When Zina didn't respond, Dawn continued. "You know Steph, just as I do. She takes pride in the Dark Howlers pack and would never do anything against it. Everything Steph did was for the pack. She lost her mate and even sent her daughter away."

Zina knew all this, but she couldn't help the doubt that swelled within her. Something was off with Stephanie, and it seemed that only Zina saw it.

…

George was at the training grounds. His Lieutenants were monitoring their units and taking notes of the performance of each soldier.

Before meeting Dawn, George would spend here most of the day.

Since Dawn came to the Red Moon pack, George would be at the training grounds in the morning, afternoons he would spend in his office, meetings were somewhat random and on a need basis, while he would look for opportunities to take his work with him and finish it from the study. During those times, Dawn would be in the study with him, reading a book or watching a video with a headset on. He loved those moments when Dawn was in his visual range.

George checked the time. It was dragging. If James was present, George could use an excuse of training the future Alpha to leave earlier, but James was studying with another tutor now, so that was not an option.

George knew that Dawn was with Zina because he could feel her happiness, and it made him happy also. He remembered the promise of joining them for lunch, and he didn't want to miss it. George knew that Estelle was preparing a feast.

Most of the warriors would go for lunch to the canteen. It was close and convenient since they didn't need to prepare a meal, and the food was decent.

It was not unusual for mated pack members who lived nearby to head home for lunch or for their mates to join them. Unfortunately, that didn't apply to George. He didn't announce that he had found his mate and if Dawn appeared there, it would raise many questions.

George couldn't risk Alpha Edward finding out about a new female. Dawn was attractive, and George could see the old fart setting his sight on Dawn. George wouldn't allow that to happen, and then he would reveal his identity, and a decade of planning would go down the drain.

Just a bit more, George told himself.

It was close to eleven-thirty when George raised his arm, making hundred-something warriors stop moving and look at him.

"Let's break for lunch. We will continue at one o'clock sharp!" George announced and turned to leave.

"You are in a hurry," a condescending voice came from the side. "If I didn't know better, I would assume you have a sweet pussy waiting for you. Is it possible that a woman caught the eye of monk George?"

George frowned while turning to look at the familiar face he didn't want to see. It was Owen. He was a Lieutenant of a battalion that was not under George.

Owen and George had been rivals since they started climbing ranks.

George and Owen were both orphans. They became warriors at the same time, and their promotions were always close to each other. Since George became a General (and then Commander), Owen's rivalry intensified, and George didn't hold back his punches either.

"Is there a reason you are here, Lieutenant?" George asked, emphasizing Owen's rank. "I assume you are not here to discuss women."

"Does Alpha know you are cutting short training for your warriors?"

"Does Alpha know you were watching my people when you were supposed to watch yours?" George returned the question.

 

Chapter 892: Best friends (D&Z) (2)

Normally, George and Owen would engage in verbal spats, but he didn't have time to waste today. Every minute with Dawn was precious.

"Why are you here, Owen? Don't tell me you wanted to invite me for lunch?" George asked.

"What if I did?"

"Then, I will need to decline."

"Is there a reason?"

"Of course, there is," George responded. "Other than not wanting your ugly face to give me indigestion, I woke up craving dumplings, so I asked my Omegas to prepare them for lunch. You would know how that feels if you had Omegas serving you. Oh, how inconsiderate of me. Lieutenants don't get Omegas to serve them; that's only for Generals and above."

Owen's jaw ticked, and George shook his head.

"If there is anything official, schedule an appointment. If you have time to spare, I suggest you return to the training grounds. When you feel you have a fighting chance, issue me a warrior's challenge. I won't refuse."

Owen watched bitterly George's retreating back, noticing that George's steps were getting faster until he broke into a run, and then he took a turn and disappeared out of sight.

…

George opened the door of his villa and stepped inside when…

"WAAAH!"

A Dawn-bullet jumped on George with an enthusiastic scream, and he was quick to catch her.

Dawn rubbed her face on the side of his neck. "I thought you won't make it."

"What made you think so?" George asked through chuckles. Dawn was adorable, and her happiness spilled on him. He had never felt so welcome before Dawn came into his life.

"I sensed your displeasure not so long ago, so I assumed that you had something unexpected and… you know… that you will be too busy to come home for lunch. You didn't miss anything important for this?"

George squeezed Dawn against him and took a deep breath to fill his system with her addictive scent of cinnamon.

"It was nothing much. Just Owen."

"When will the two of you stop acting like high school kids?" Dawn never met Owen, but George told her about him.

"Hey, hey," George protested. "He is the one coming onto me. Are you expecting me to stay quiet and let him use me as a doormat?"

Dawn released George and touched his cheek. "No, I don't. But I wish that you could talk it out. Didn't you say that the two of you used to train together and help each other? If he sees that you are still the same man, he might be a friend. A good one."

George smiled helplessly. Talking was not the way of people at the Red Moon pack.

Here, George was a Commander, cold, ruthless, and calculative.

"This reasonable and soft Commander George is only for you, Dawn."

Dawn grinned. She loved to know that she was special.

"I wouldn't call you soft," Dawn said while wiggling her eyebrows, and George growled lowly in approval while leaning to capture her lips with his.

"How easy is it for you to forget about me?"

Zina's voice reached them from the side, and Dawn and George smiled.

Dawn spoke about Zina a lot, and George visited the Dark Howlers pack more than once, so they were familiar with each other. The only thing new about this was the location.

"Hi Zi," George greeted her. "I assume you had a pleasant morning with my mate."

"I did. And now I'm starving. Can we eat?"

They kept the chat during lunch on light topics, and Zina wished she could be this close to Dawn daily.

"What are your plans for the afternoon?" George asked.

"We will prepare dinner," Dawn responded. Other than chatting with Zina, she didn't have other plans.

"I was hoping you could show me around," Zina said.

George paused. "Around?"

Zina looked at Dawn. "Around. Outside. Are you telling me you don't leave this villa?"

Dawn released a long breath. "I do get out, but… this is not a good environment for an Omega, Zi."

"I came to see how you are living here. Show me. I don't want to see only pretty things."

George didn't like it. "Due to the preparations for James' birthday, I have meetings this afternoon and can't accompany you."

"Dawn can't leave this house unless you are with her?" Zina asked incredulously.

"No, no," Dawn said quickly. "I go out on my own, but…" Dawn puffed her cheeks. "Fine. We will go."

"Dawn," George called, his low voice full of warning.

"We won't stir trouble. I will take Dawn to the market and back. Maybe Estelle will join us also. What can happen?"

...

Eventually, George left, and Zina asked when it was just the two of them, "Tell me straight, what's the big deal with us going out? Will people beat us?"

"No. It's just…" Dawn was not sure how to say this. "In general, Omegas are treated like dirt here. Then there is a distinction between Omegas who were born with a bloodline of the Red Moon pack, and Omegas from other packs. People will scrutinize you and assume the worst. Things don't get physical. Don't respond to provocations, and we will be fine."

Zina cocked her eyebrow. "Oh? There are noble Omegas and peasant Omegas?"

Dawn would laugh at the sarcasm, but this affected more than just Dawn and Zina, and it was not funny.

"Something like that."

Zina didn't like this, not even a little bit. "How can you stand that? Why are you here? What happened with mates doing what's best for the other? How can George make you stay in this pack and be bullied? Why don't you ask him to come to the Dark Howlers pack? You know that Alpha Damon will welcome both of you. How much I know, Alpha Damon and George are getting along well. Don't tell me you are happy being confined in this villa."

Dawn couldn't tell Zina about George's plan for revenge. That was George's big secret, and she had no right to share it, not even with Zina. But Dawn couldn't leave Zina's questions unanswered.

"It's not so bad, Zi," Dawn said. "I'm just telling you the worst, so you are not surprised if something like that happens."

"And what if the worst happens? Are you expecting me to lower my head and let them insult me? What if they hit me? Is that what happens when you go out? How can you live like that?"

Dawn puffed her cheeks and spoke through their pack mind link. 'Zi, didn't you notice that I didn't leave the Dark Howlers pack?'

Zina realized that Dawn was right. Normally, the two wouldn't talk through the mind link because they didn't care who was listening.

Zina continued through the mind link, 'Are you saying that George will come to the Dark Howlers pack? What's with the delay?' Wouldn't that be wonderful? Dawn would be with her mate, Zina would get her bestie back, and everyone would be happy.

'He is not opposing the idea,' Dawn responded. This was the truth. 'George has some matters to deal with here. Once that is settled, we will decide what to do next.'

George was unsure if he wanted to start his own pack, but he wanted to provide better conditions for people who didn't want to stay in the Red Moon pack. All this was under the assumption that he issues an Alpha challenge and wins.

 

Chapter 893: Visiting the market

Zina was pacified by Dawn's answer. "I hope George finishes his work quickly, so you don't need to suffer long. I know you won't move in back with me, but we could still work in the packhouse together and hang out while George is busy with warriors…"

Dawn felt guilty for not telling Dawn the truth. But this was for the best. Zina didn't know that George was an Alpha, or that he wanted to kill Alpha Edward, or that Dawn had a complete Alpha aura that could rival Alpha Edward's.

Dawn was dreading the day when those would come to light, and she hoped that Zina wouldn't be too angry because Dawn was keeping all those secrets from her.

…

Zina observed the change in Dawn's demeanor from the moment they left the villa, and Zina didn't like it. Her cheery friend became quiet, and Dawn lowered her gaze even before they met anyone.

Zina and Dawn were accompanied by Estelle and Adele, older female Omegas who were quiet anyway, so Zina wouldn't notice if they quieted down, but with Dawn it was obvious. Dawn acted like she had done something wrong and was waiting for her punishment.

The narrow path meandered through the forest, and they crossed several intersections before they reached a paved road where people walked, and some rode bicycles. Everyone looked busy.

The buildings had an industrial feel. They were made of stone, wood, and metal, with minimalistic windows and doors, without curves or details that would make them pretty.

Zina thought how this was different than Darkbourne, which had stores and buildings no different than any average town in North America. People in Darkbourne were more relaxed; they would make eye contact and stop to chat, and some would linger on benches or outside seating in front of shops to indulge in a beverage or a sweet treat.

Compared to that, the atmosphere in the Red Moon pack was stifling, and Zina didn't like it.

The most repressive was that Dawn was quiet, just like Estelle and Adele. When Zina asked something, they would respond with only a few words, and that dampened Zina's mood as well, and she eventually stopped asking questions.

They reached a big building that looked like a hangar. Double doors were wide open, and people were coming in and going out non-stop. It was the busiest building Zina had spotted so far.

"This is the market," Dawn explained to Zina. "It's indoors, so it's working regardless of the weather. Estelle will buy some things for the villa. Let me know if you want to get something."

Zina cocked an eyebrow at Dawn. "I have money." She didn't need Dawn to pay for her expenses.

"We don't work with money here."

Zina was confused. "How do you pay for things?"

Dawn reached into her purse and pulled several coupon-looking things. "We exchange goods and cover the difference with these. These are like money in the Red Moon pack."

Zina took one coupon and felt that it was made of rough paper that had writing "worth 10 units" and there was a stamp of a red moon.

"How do you pay for things outside Red Moon pack?" Zina asked.

Dawn shrugged. "This is the economy we have here. Money from outside is valuable only for people who go out."

Zina was about to ask more, but she heard Dawn's voice in her head, 'Can you keep other questions for later? We can also talk through the mind link.'

Zina saw Dawn giving eye signals toward Estelle and Adele, and she understood that her questions made the other two Omegas uncomfortable.

They were in the Red Moon pack for a long time, some were born here, and they didn't know how the world outside of the Red Moon pack functioned.

'Alright,' Zina said to Dawn through the mind link. 'You know that this is how Alpha Edward is preventing his pack from integrating with the rest of society. Right?'

'I do. But these people don't have a choice. Just saying openly how it's wrong won't solve anything. If we tell them how good life is outside the Red Moon pack, they will not believe us.'

'Or they will believe us and will retaliate against this system.'

Dawn shook her head. 'They are Omegas, not revolutionaries. Most are happy to have a roof over their heads and food on the table. They grew up here, and this is their normal. Even if they knew that life in another pack was better, they wouldn't have the courage or skills to fight for it. Those few who show potential are either silenced, or they get promotions and a good lifestyle that makes them not care about Omegas.'

Zina hated that Dawn was right. Little people won't fight, and anyone with potential was dealt with before he became a threat. It was not fair, but it worked in favor of the minority at the top of the hierarchy.

Inside, the hangar-like market was livelier than it hinted from the outside. Numerous stalls were lined up in rows with merchandise that consisted of clothing, shoes, hand-crafted accessories and jewelry, and food items. Some people stood behind their stalls, and people moved to see what they were offering. The noise of haggling for a better price made Zina squint, and the scents that filled the air were overwhelming.

Zina decided to follow after Dawn and observe. She didn't need anything but was curious about how things worked in the Red Moon pack.

Estelle and Adele carried baskets with pastries which they exchanged for eggs and cheese.

Zina spotted freshly caught rabbits, and she said to Dawn through their mind link, 'We can make those for dinner.'

'Let's not waste money on something my George can catch for free.'

Zina rolled her eyes at Dawn's words. 'Do you need to boast how awesome your mate is?'

Dawn stifled a giggle. Her George is awesome.

Dawn's smile froze when she felt hostility from her left. Since George marked her, Dawn's senses were sharper.

"Let's go this way," Dawn said while grabbing Zina's elbow.

"Look who showed up here," A singing voice reached them, and Dawn cursed under her breath.

'Don't talk, Zi,' Dawn told Zina before turning toward her left.

Estelle and Adele stood in front of Dawn and Zina. "Miss Ana, we are here to get the ingredients for dinner that Commander George requested."

Ana made a face at Estelle. Commander George's name guaranteed they won't be bullied, so Ana didn't dare to give her a hard time, but Ana had a different target.

"I was not talking to you," Ana said to Estelle while extending her hand and nudging the latter to move to the side. Ana wanted an unobstructed view of Dawn and Zina.

Ana tried mind linking Dawn several times, but she was unsuccessful. It was visible that Dawn was marked, and even though Ana couldn't confirm who Dawn's mate was, she was fairly confident that the male was from the Red Moon pack. Ana didn't have the ability to verify if Dawn joined the Red Moon pack, so she assumed that Dawn was shutting her out on purpose, which only enraged Ana further.

 

Chapter 894: Commotion at the market

'Who is this?' Zina asked Dawn. It was obvious that the three females didn't approach them with good intentions, and Zina wondered if Dawn had some history with them. It seemed like it.

'The one in the middle is the leader. Her name is Ana. All three are Omegas who work in the packhouse, so they consider themselves above others. The word is that Ana is sleeping with Alpha Edward, so no one will dare to offend her.'

Zina couldn't believe this. 'An Omega is spreading her legs for a mated Alpha and thinks…'

'Zina, please,' Dawn interrupted her. 'Let us handle this.'

Zina released a long breath. 'Fine.'

Dawn had difficulty controlling her wolf. After George's marking, Dawn's spunky attitude morphed into one of an Alpha. Dawn was now an Alpha female with an Alpha wolf, and her wolf couldn't stand anyone talking to them in a demeaning way, especially not an Omega.

Dawn feared that if she lost focus, her wolf would jump on Ana, and her aura would leak, which would put George in danger. Dawn would never say she was an Alpha because of his mark, but she also knew that George wouldn't allow anyone to interrogate her, so it would be obvious they were mates.

"Who is the new face?" Ana asked while eyeing Zina.

"She is…" Estelle stopped talking when Ana raised her hand.

Ana pointed at Dawn. "I want her to respond."

Among so many people who walked with their heads lowered, for Anna, Zina stood out as a sore thumb. Zina was not submissive, and there was also a matter of Zina's clothes. Zina didn't have makeup or excessive jewelry, but those were definitely good-quality blouse and jeans. Ana also noticed Zina's red hair, sharp grey eyes, flawless skin, and curvaceous figure… and it was only a matter of time before Zina caught the eye of someone important. How could Ana allow some no-name nobody (aka Zina) to get such a chance? What if she ends up working in the packhouse and takes over Ana's position?

"She is my friend," Dawn responded to Ana while pushing Zina behind her.

Ana cocked an eyebrow at Zina. "A friend? Do you have the right to accept friends?"

"The right channels approved," Dawn responded ambiguously.

"Did they?" Ana asked with a sneer. "Somehow, I doubt it. Give me names I will check."

Dawn's jaw ticked in annoyance as her wolf started emerging to the surface. "I thought your duties are to take care of the packhouse. Unless I see in writing that you are in charge of protocols for visitors, I won't give you anything."

Ana's eyebrows shot up at Dawn's lack of cooperation, and she folded her arms over her chest.

"Disobedience is punished in this pack. I thought we already established that last time when I hit you. Should I give you another lesson?"

Zina's temper flared. "She hit you?"

"Zi…" Dawn pleaded. Ana wanted to slap Dawn, but Estelle got in the way and received it instead.

"No, no," Zina was shaking her head. "I don't care about rules and keeping a low profile. No one…" She turned to Ana. "NO ONE gets to hit my friend, especially not bitches with an overinflated ego."

By now, most of the market was silent, and they watched the showdown.

Dawn cursed under her breath. She feared something like this might happen. This was not good, and her wolf was scratching to come out.

"Zi," Dawn held Zina's arm. "Let's just go about our business. Forget about this. Ana is not important."

Ana's expression flared in outrage. "Not important!?"

Ana reached to grab Zina, but Dawn got in the way, Estelle and Adele stood rooted in place, and then…

"STAY AWAY FROM MY WOMAN!"

A roar shook the market, and everyone froze at the scene of a guy clutching Ana's neck and lifting her off the ground.

Ana's eyes bulged in shock, and it took her a moment to start clawing at his wrist, but it was like trying to pry open a metal lock with a feather.

Dawn's brows came together in confusion. Who is this guy, exactly?

Before Dawn could recover, the familiar scent of clover reached her, and she saw George rushing toward her like his life depended on him.

George's furious gaze moved over the people, paused slightly at Dawn, and then locked on Ana.

George wanted to get his hands on Ana, but the male holding her was in the way.

The male growled when George came close. "She is mine to…"

Before he could finish, George's fist landed on his face violently, and the guy blacked out.

George grabbed Ana before she could fall to the ground.

Ana was coughing, and she was glad that George had rescued her from the brute, but her fear was back when she realized that George's grip on her shoulders was increasing. Was he about to shatter her bones?

Dawn panicked. Will George expose himself?

Estelle was first to react, and she stood next to Ana to be in George's visual range.

Estelle bowed her head. "Commander George, Ana was curious about our guest, and Owen reacted."

George blinked at Estelle's words. Owen?

He didn't pay attention to the male, but he saw him close to Dawn and shouting how that was his woman, and George lost it.

George looked down to see that Owen was out cold, and his face was bloodied.

"I'm sorry…" Ana squeaked. "I didn't know that Dawn was Owen's woman."

Another wave of rage rippled through George.

"Say that again!" George squeezed through his teeth angrily. How dares this Omega nobody claim that his mate belongs to someone else?

'Didn't you want to conceal that Dawn is your mate?' Estelle's voice sounded in George's head. 'Like this, they will think she is Owen's mate.'

George couldn't believe this. 'Who thinks that Dawn is Owen's mate? Why would they think that?'

'Let's talk about this later. Ana was annoying, but she didn't step over the line,' Estelle responded.

…

Owen's vision was blurry, and his nose hurt like hell. What happened? And where was he?

Before he could see, he heard voices…

"Are you sure he is your mate?" A female voice asked.

"I think so." Owen was confident that an angel responded.

"You think so, or you know so? This is not something to guess."

"I would be confident if you brute didn't knock him out."

"George is not a brute!"

"Really? Does he say hello with his fists every time? My mate was defending us, and your mate caused a mess."

Owen remembered some things. After lunch in the cafeteria, he wanted something sweet, so he headed to the market, and then his wolf urged him to take a left, and there he saw the most beautiful woman in the world. She had a head full of red hair, and he knew that was his fiery Goddess. But she was bullied, and his wolf took over, and… then Owen blacked out. Wait! Did they say that George hit him!?

Owen decided to stay still until he got a grasp on the situation.

Was that his fiery Goddess talking? Why did she sound angry? Was it because he was hurt?

 

Chapter 895: Malia strikes again! (Z&O)

Zina was still upset about the incident with Ana. "I wanted to show that nasty Omega where she belongs. How dares she act all mighty just because she is cleaning the packhouse? And how can you live while lowering your head to such trash?"

"Zi, you don't understand…"

"I don't. I want you to come back home with me. Right now."

"I can't."

"Yes, you can!" Zina said sternly.

"Even if I come, what about him? Will you leave your mate behind? Maybe that's for the better."

"Hey, hey! How can you say that? Isn't finding a mate a good thing? Finally, Malia worked for me as well."

"Maybe it would be better to pass on this one."

Zina couldn't believe her ears. "What?"

"Look at him, Zi. He is a warrior in the Red Moon pack, with emphasis on the pack to which he belongs. They treat Omegas like crap."

"Really? What about George?"

Dawn released a sharp breath. "George is different. I'm sure you have noticed that by now. Staying here is dangerous. Do you think I'm stuck at home because I like it?"

"You said you are not afraid of Omegas like Ana."

"I am not. But going against her will attract attention. I can defeat Ana. I can defeat ten Anas, but what will happen when guys like your mate appear? And before you say that George can protect me, that will also put him in danger."

"If he is dangerous, why did George leave him here?" Zina asked.

After the mess in the market, George called nearby warriors to escort Ana for questioning why she attacked a mate of a high-ranking officer. George knew that not much would come out of it, but he hoped it would be a warning for Ana to stay away from Dawn.

George didn't like the idea of people thinking that Dawn was Owen's mate, but it served the purpose of protecting Dawn without exposing their relationship as mates.

George hoped that Owen's status as a Lieutenant would be high enough to deter bullies yet low enough not to attract Alpha Edward's attention.

George hoisted Owen over his shoulder and took him to his villa. Unfortunately, George had important meetings, and if he missed them, people would start asking questions, so he had to leave.

He explained to Dawn that was Owen, and only after George left did Zina say how she thought the unconscious man in the guest bedroom was her mate.

"George has important meetings," Dawn responded.

"More important than you?"

"Damn it, Zi! I didn't want things to come to this, but you need to put your safety first. Finding your fated mate is great, but that can't compare to your life."

Owen panicked. Was his fiery Goddess thinking of leaving him? He needed to snap out of it and tell her to stay right now!

A low groan got Zina's and Dawn's attention, and Zina quickly moved to sit on the edge of the bed where Owen was.

Owen blinked to confirm that the blurry face in front of him was his fiery Goddess. There was a sweet scent coming off her, but he couldn't identify it clearly because his nose was broken, and everything smelled of blood.

"Can you hear me? How do you feel?" Zina asked while her eyes nervously roamed Owen's bloodied face. They didn't dare to clean him up because they feared how he would react if a damp cloth woke him up.

Owen reached to touch Zina's cheek, and his hand jolted when he felt sparks prickling the tips of his fingers.

"Are you an angel?" He asked.

Zina's lips stretched into a smile. "Oh, honey… If you think I'm an angel, you didn't look deep enough."

"Honey?" It was Dawn who asked.

"Mhm," Zina confirmed with a hum. "He smells like maple honey, the one I use as a glaze for roasted ham." And for pancakes and sweetening the tea and many other treats. Zina loves honey.

"Pft!" Dawn burst into laughter. "You see him as a ham?"

Zina glared at Dawn. "Not a ham. Honey. Ho-ney. Why are you laughing? Didn't you say that George smells to you like clover?" She turned to look at Owen. "This man smells of honey, and I want to lick him everywhere."

Owen swallowed hard. His face was numb, and his heart was beating wildly, but he definitely felt the pressure in his groin area increasing. The fiery Goddess wanted to lick him everywhere, and he found himself unable to move. Will she lick him now? He hoped so. From where will she start? Ah, the possibilities!

Zina waved at Dawn. "Instead of standing there and staring, how about you bring me a cloth and water so I can wash his face?"

Dawn folded her arms over her chest. "I'm not going anywhere. George told me about him. Owen was a good guy before he became a jealous prick who is trying to sabotage him. What if he is hostile? What if he looks down on you because you are an Omega? What if he rejects you as his mate? You didn't think about that, did you?"

Zina pressed her lips into a line. She didn't think about that.

Zina turned to Dawn. "If you think he is a bad guy, why are you talking about George so freely? Isn't your relationship with him a secret?"

Dawn shrugged. "People are already suspecting, and after today, I'm done hiding. If anyone dares to cause trouble, I will teach them a lesson."

Dawn spoke bravely, but the truth was that she decided not to leave the villa until George made his move with Alpha Edward. No one will come to the house of Commander George to stir trouble. That was a fact, and if any disturbances are noticed, she can always flee to the Dark Howlers pack with Cornelia. This secret exit strategy boosted Dawn's confidence. The only thing Dawn was not confident about was if George would come with her. And what about Omegas staying here?

Zina turned to Owen. "What do you say, handsome? Will you reject me as your mate?" She bit her lip nervously while waiting for him to answer. What if he rejects the bond? He is from the Red Moon pack, and they are known as brute and unreasonable and… did she even want a mate from the Red Moon pack?

Owen blinked. "No."

Zina smirked at Dawn, but her gaze now carried some doubt. "See? He won't reject me. Now get that water and cloth so I can see what he looks like."

After a long second, Dawn gave a small nod and left the room with, "I will be back in a minute. Don't do something you will regret."

Zina was not sure what Dawn was talking about. Was it related to rejecting the mate bond or getting frisky? Probably both.

Owen reached to touch Zina's cheek again.

"Are you not happy about me, Angel?" Owen asked. He could feel insecurities swelling within Zina. "I am not a violent man." Lies. He would end up in squabbles often, but mostly with warriors.

Zina laughed nervously. "How can I be unhappy about you? I don't know you."

 

Chapter 896: Discussing conditions (1)

Owen pushed himself into a seated position and he cleared his throat before saying to Zina, "I am Owen of the Red Moon pack. I am a Lieutenant and… I guess that's it."

Zina cocked an eyebrow at him. "That's not much to go with." There must be more. What was he hiding?

"I am an orphan. I don't remember if I ever had a family. Most of my time is spent on the training grounds, so… there isn't much to say about me."

"Oh…" Zina was not sure how to respond to that.

Zina thought of sharing something about herself. "I am Zina of the Dark Howlers pack. I am an Omega who works in the packhouse, and I came here to visit my friend." Zina realized that her status might be a problem. "Do you dislike that I'm an Omega? Will you reject me for it? Or…"

"No, no," Owen was quick to say. "I have nothing against Omegas. I would be one if I didn't become a warrior."

"That is true for any warrior, yet it doesn't stop them from bullying Omegas," Zina said. Even Omegas are bullying Omegas in this pack.

"I won't mistreat you because of your status, Zina of the Dark Howlers pack."

Zina was not sure if she should believe him. She heard a lot of scary stories about members of the Red Moon pack. "You won't?"

Owen shook his head, and asked, "Will you look down on me because I have no background?"

Somehow, his question dispelled Zina's worries. Mostly because she could feel his insecurities. He really wanted her to accept him.

"You are not a nobody. You are Lieutenant Owen. My mate."

Owen's face lit up and his eyes moved to Zina's lips. He really wanted to kiss her.

Dawn entered the room to see that Owen and Zina were staring at each other and inching closer.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Zina rolled her eyes. Well, that broke the lovey-dovey bubble.

She waved at Dawn to come with the bowl of water she brought in.

"Give me that. I want to wash away the blood from Owen's face, so I can see him properly."

Dawn clicked her tongue. "He is your mate. He might have a body covered in scales, yet you will still think that he is the sexiest man alive."

Zina wiggled her eyebrows at Dawn. "Well, I can't help it if my mate is sexy."

Dawn made a face. "Pleeeease, spare me before I gag."

"I was listening to your stories about George, Mr. Perfect. Now it's my turn to fill your ears with stories of my mate…"

Owen listened to the spiky exchange between Zina and Dawn, and he liked that Zina was standing up for him.

Zina turned to Owen while holding a damp cloth and he got worried. What if she doesn't like how he looks? What will she think after she finds out who he is? He was a Lieutenant, and other than that, he didn't have much to offer to his mate.

Zina pushed Owen to lay on the bed.

"Let me know if it hurts," she said, and then she started cleaning up the dried blood from his cheeks.

Owen closed his eyes, and he enjoyed the treatment. He didn't want to say how he had much worse injuries than a broken nose, and he mostly tended to his own wounds. This was different. It was the first time for a female to handle him with such care. And this was not just any female, this was his mate, an alluring Goddess with fiery red hair.

Owen was dazed by the occasional sparks that stirred whenever her skin touched his.

Zina was super-gentle, and she grimaced while pressing a damp cloth on his face.

"So much blood…" Zina said with her brows coming together in concern.

Owen's mood dropped when he realized how he got hurt.

"Are you the reason why George is skipping work?" Owen asked Dawn grumpily.

"OWW!" He exclaimed when Zina pressed the cloth close to his nose.

"Dawn is my best friend," Zina said with a warning in her voice. "Mate or not, no one gets to talk to Dawn like that."

Dawn was glad to see that Zina stood up for her, but at the same time, Dawn didn't envy Zina's situation. Owen was a big variable, and he already knew too much. What if Owen works against George? Will Zina and Dawn need to pick between their friendship and their mates?

Dawn was anxious and she decided to probe the situation.

She exposed the left side of her neck, where George's mark was.

"I am George's fated mate."

Owen's eyebrows shot up. He suspected that George had a woman, but a fated mate? "Why is he hiding you?"

"I'm sure you know that with George's status, people would try to use me against him."

Owen knew that, but… "Do you plan to hide forever?"

Dawn was not sure how to respond to this. Telling Zina that this was temporary was one thing, but she didn't trust Owen. What if he spreads it around and it reaches Alpha Edward? Commander George leaving the pack would be a big deal. Huge!

"Instead of meddling in other people's relationships, why don't you worry about ours?" Zina asked, getting Owen's attention. "What are we going to do? You said that you won't reject the bond, and I won't do it either as long as you show an intention to treat me well. So, what's next? Are you planning for us to stay in the Red Moon pack? As a Lieutenant, you don't have a private residence. Are you expecting me to go into barracks where you are sharing living areas with others? How many roommates do you have?"

Zina didn't know about the Lieutenant's living conditions, but she knew that only Generals and Commanders get private residences.

Owen needed a moment to process this. "As a mated couple, we will get a bedroom." Most of the mated warriors with a rank got apartments, but that was based on availability, and he didn't dare to promise her an apartment and then not deliver on it.

Zina cocked an eyebrow. "A bedroom? What about the kitchen? Living area? I heard that newcomers here are treated horribly. Are you expecting me to stay locked up in our bedroom while you are working, or should I go out so Omegas like Ana can take a swipe at me?"

Owen's mind was spinning. They just met, and she was asking about living conditions. Of course, none of those would matter if he was a General and if he had his own home. Damn it!

But then… even if he had his own home, incidents like the one with Ana would happen when she was not with him.

"Do you have a suggestion?" Owen asked.

"Yes!" Zina exclaimed. "Come with me to the Dark Howlers pack."

Owen froze. "What?"

"At least, consider it. OK? Me leaving my pack to be with you shouldn't be easier than you leaving your pack. I have an apartment and a steady job. Alpha Damon will give you a chance to prove yourself and he won't thwart your progress just because you are a newcomer."

Owen licked his lips. "Angel, listen. I'm not a man who can live off a woman."

It was sexist, but Zina found something good in his answer. He didn't dismiss the Dark Howlers pack.

 

Chapter 897: Discussing conditions (2)

"If you come to the Dark Howlers pack, you won't live off me. You will live WITH me," Zina said to Owen. "I have a job and you will get one also. I can't promise you will keep your status as a Lieutenant, but Alpha Damon accepts newcomers as warriors. The Dark Howlers pack accommodates people from other packs, and no one will bully you."

Dawn nodded in agreement. "Actually, people in our pack welcome newcomers. We see that as proof that our pack is better and that's why outsiders choose to join."

Owen didn't miss that Dawn spoke about the Dark Howlers pack like it's hers, but he didn't want to probe into it. He had more important things to figure out.

He never considered leaving the Red Moon pack. Yes, things were not ideal, but he was just one step away from being a General, and that would be a big jump in his status.

No one told him that this was George's villa, but Owen figured it out right away. Just this room was so much better than his current accommodations or anything he saw before, other than the packhouse, of course. Wasn't something like this only one promotion away? How long will it take? A year? Five? Will Zina wait so long for him?

Zina could feel that Owen was considering his options but was not convinced, so she decided to try a different approach. "Don't think too much about it now."

Owen was confused. "I thought you want me to think about joining the Dark Howlers pack."

Zina didn't want him to think about it. She wanted him to do it!

"It is a big decision, and it shouldn't be done on the spot. For now, I want two things from you. First, I want you to keep an open mind. Second, I want you to talk to my Alpha. Alpha Damon will be here with his Luna tomorrow." Zina turned to Dawn. "We can invite Talia and Damon here, right?"

Dawn confirmed. "I can make it happen under one condition."

"Which one?" Zina and Owen asked in unison.

"Until you figure out where and how you will live, don't let him mark you."

Zina reached for the left side of her neck. That was the place where Owen's mark should come. Her eyes moved to meet Owen's and she swallowed hard. Will he sink his fangs in there to release his venom and mark her? Will that happen during steamy sex? Will she see stars in broad daylight while he rams himself inside her?

Zina pressed her legs together and she could feel her wolf urging her to pounce on a honey-scented man in front of her. Did he taste as good as he smelled? There was only one way to find out, but Dawn was watching.

However, Dawn's request was reasonable. Hold off with marking until they figure out the important stuff. One day, at most. How hard can that be?

Zina often imagined what her mate will look like and now that she found him, Zina was happy and nervous and she regretted that she couldn't just jump into it without care, but Dawn was right. They shouldn't rush this.

Zina didn't want to seal the mate bond that was getting stronger by the second, and end up miserable just because he was handsome, and he smelled edible, and she was horny.

Normally, fated mates would do anything to make each other happy, but there were exceptions. Sometimes, people would go with their beliefs and habits, and neglect the pull. Zina didn't want to risk it. She already had a wonderful life and many friends. Leaving that behind for a man who won't treat her well was not worth it.

"I think that's fine," Zina said to Dawn and turned to Owen. "What do you think?"

"I agree to hold off with marking." He wouldn't mark Zina against her will anyway. It would seal the bond, but it wouldn't turn her stupid. Marking was once in a lifetime and it should be wonderful, for both of them.

Owen's wolf was howling in his head to claim the female that belonged to them, but he also wanted to make her happy.

"Also, I will talk to your Alpha if he wants to talk to me," Owen said. "I hope you will guide me through this. I don't want to risk offending him." Alpha Edward was unapproachable to anyone below the rank of a General, and Owen didn't know what to expect of Damon whose reputation was vicious. Damon was the most powerful Alpha and that wouldn't be the case if he was easygoing.

Zina smiled at Owen. "Thank you."

Sensing that Dawn relaxed, Zina focused on cleaning Owen's face.

Little by little, Owen's features were revealed. Light brown hair in a military-style buzz cut, thick and unruly eyebrows, a few days old stubble… she frowned at the sight of purple lines and swelling on his nose, but he assured her that it will heal completely in a few days.

Owen was handsome, but not fierce like warriors. Every curve of his face was pleasing to the eyes and inviting, and Zina wondered if that was how she saw him because he was her mate.

Zina had difficulty looking away from his light gray eyes that stirred with endless desire. She really wanted to kiss him and much more, but Dawn was watching them. Can she ask Dawn to leave without being too obvious about it?

"When is George coming back?" Zina asked.

"Later," Dawn responded.

"Don't you need to prepare something before he comes?"

"We agreed to cook dinner together," Dawn reminded Zina.

Zina whimpered. Dawn was doing this on purpose!

Zina turned to Owen. "What about you? Do you have somewhere you need to be?"

Owen froze. Was she sending him away? He didn't want to leave! His eyes lost focus for a moment. "Someone took over my unit. Can I stay with you? I can help with cooking."

Zina would prefer that they could roll in the sheets compared to working in the kitchen, but something was better than nothing. "You know how to cook?"

Owen shrugged. "I don't know how to cook but I can wash stuff and I am pretty good at tasting dishes."

Zina giggled. "Alright."

…

George rushed home as soon as his meetings ended.

Estelle mind-linked him that Owen didn't leave, and George was worried.

Estelle and other Omegas working in George's villa stayed away from outsiders to avoid incessant bullying and bad treatment overall. He created a small oasis of safety in his home, and why was Owen lingering?

What George didn't expect was to find Owen in the kitchen with Zina and Dawn.

Owen was wearing an apron and smiling while mixing the salad like he owned the place.

"You are back!" Dawn exclaimed when she spotted George. Normally, she would pick up his scent from the moment he entered the villa, but now the kitchen was full of aromatic dishes, so she didn't pick George's scent until he reached the kitchen.

Dawn was about to jump on George, but she paused halfway when she realized that his mood was off. "Did something bad happen?"

"Why is he here?"

"I am helping my woman prepare dinner," Owen responded matter-of-factly.

George saw red. His woman!?

Chapter 898: In this together (1)

A ferocious growl ripped from George. "What did you say!?"

Owen frowned at George. "Did you think that enjoying with a woman is reserved only for you?"

George's whole body twitched as his muscles rippled and his aura burst in anger.

George's vision narrowed at Owen who was recoiling from George's aura, but Owen managed to pull Zina to stand behind him.

George tensed in preparation to jump at the bastard in an apron when he felt a splash of cinnamon scent and a small body clinging to him.

"Not me!" Dawn exclaimed. "He is talking about Zi!"

George looked at Dawn with a deep frown. "What!?"

Dawn smiled helplessly. "Can you calm down and see what's going on? Owen and Zi are mates."

George closed his eyes and released a sharp breath while retracting his aura. "What the hell!? Is this a joke? It's not funny."

"Why are you acting like this impacts you in any way?" Owen asked angrily and then he turned to check on Zina who assured him that she was fine.

"This is between me and my mate," Owen said.

George's nostrils flared. "You talk big for someone who is cooking in MY kitchen!" And Owen was wearing George's apron, damn it!

Owen sneered. "Me in your kitchen is the least of your problems right now. Was that Alpha aura you hit me with? How come you have it?"

Zina felt George's Alpha aura also, but she was levelheaded enough to know not to bring it up in this situation.

"Owen, can you focus on what's important?" Zina asked.

"Do you expect me to focus on anything other than my attacker?"

"Attacker!" George seethed. "You are making yourself at home in MY house with MY mate, and I am the bad guy?"

Zina stood in front of Owen and faced George. "George, I understand that your relationship with Owen is not the best, but can you try to tone down the hostility? I'm sure this can be resolved with a talk."

George had difficulty controlling his temper. "You want me to play house with a guy who is sabotaging me for years!? Should we kiss and make up? Or do a pinky promise to be friends?"

Dawn put her palm on George's cheek. "No one is asking you to be friends. How about just talking? There must be a way to settle this without a fight."

George looked at Dawn and he realized she was right. It's not that he wanted to be civil with Owen, but he knew that if he hurts Owen, he will enrage Zina, and that will make Dawn not happy, and Dawn always came first.

"Maybe we can talk about this during dinner," Dawn suggested.

"Talk about what?" Owen asked. As he saw this, everything was fine until George came and started a ruckus. George should apologize. Why was Dawn looking at Owen?

"For starters, you can explain why you turned on George," Dawn said. "I heard that the two of you were friends and then things changed. What made you hate him?"

Owen paused. Should he just admit that he was jealous? He worked hard, but he couldn't catch up and everyone talked highly of George while Owen became invisible and he channeled his helplessness into anger. Owen knew that it was not fair, but he couldn't help it.

"I don't hate him," Owen said.

"Why are you on his case then?" Dawn asked.

Dawn's head snapped to George as she sensed that something was off. And sure, it was, his eyes were out of focus. Someone was mind-linking him, and only a selected few had that access.

Three long seconds later, George pressed his lips into a line. "I need to go."

"Where?"

"It's Alpha Edward. He wants an explanation why Ana was detained for the afternoon."

Dawn's brows came together in worry. "Will he punish you?"

"I don't think so." Normally, Alpha Edward wouldn't bother with these pack-squabble things, and even if he wanted some information, he would do it through the mind-link, or request a report in the morning, unless… George's attention went to Dawn and his mark on her neck. Ana definitely went to tattle on what happened, which meant that Alpha Edward found out about Dawn and Zina. Damn it!

George looked at Owen. "You are coming with me."

Owen was alerted. "Why me?"

"Do you want to save your mate?"

"Save her? From what?"

"Come with me and you will find out," George responded.

Dawn hugged George and turned to speak to Owen. "George has a plan. If you want this to work, you better collaborate with George, or all of us will be in trouble."

George was touched by Dawn's trust in his abilities. He didn't have a plan. Not yet, at least. He will come up with something on the way. He had to.

…

Owen's anxiousness skyrocketed when he realized that they were going toward the packhouse.

"Are we going to meet Alpha in person?" Owen asked George.

"Yes."

"Are we in trouble?"

"Probably."

Owen swallowed a mouthful of air. "You can't use me as a sacrificial lamb. I can tell Alpha about your mate and your aura and…"

Owen groaned when George's Alpha aura pressed on him.

What the hell? Owen was issuing empty threats to remind George that he was not without weapons. Why did George resort to violence?

"If you rat on me, what do you think will happen to your mate?" George squeezed through his teeth and then he retracted his aura. "I will end her before Alpha Edward gets a chance to put a finger on her."

"You won't harm Zina. She is Dawn's best friend."

Of course, George wouldn't harm Zina, but Owen didn't know that.

"Expose my secrets and see what I will destroy to stay alive."

Owen didn't want to argue. With George's aura, he had no chance of winning anyway. But why was George making him go to meet Alpha Edward? "If this is about the incident at the market, Ana was after Dawn. You should thank me and not drag me into this. I'm sure you can talk it out with Alpha Edward and I can go back to my mate."

George snorted. "Dawn and Zina are best friends since childhood. I'm sure you understood that I didn't rip your head off only because that would upset Dawn. By now, you should be certain I can defeat you without lifting a finger."

Owen's displeasure skyrocketed. He already had an inferiority complex. George and he were about the same age, they started at the same time, yet George was a Commander while Owen was just a Lieutenant.

Only a few years back, both of them were Lieutenants. Now, George was a Commander, while Owen's career stagnated

George had a villa and Omegas serving him, and a mate, and even Alpha aura, while Owen… he only had a mate he still didn't claim as his. Was he even a man?

Owen was tempted to peer into his pants to confirm that his meat whip and twins were still there or did he lose those also.

Owen pushed his grievances down. "I won't tell Alpha about your secrets."

"What caused this change of heart?"

Owen didn't feel like explaining.

 

Chapter 899: In this together (2)

"I assume you have a plan," Owen said to George. "Will you tell me about it, or are you expecting me to just nod at whatever you say?"

George glanced at the packhouse in the distance. "Ana believes that you stepped in to protect your mate. We will go with that. Dawn is your mate who is working in my villa."

Owen saw so many holes in that story. "I am sleeping in the barracks. I spend days at the training grounds and with the guys, and we are not exactly close. When did I find time for a mate?"

"Alpha Edward won't bother with details," George said with confidence. "However, if the topic arises, Dawn has a room in my villa, just like any other Omega working for me. You are spending time with her at my place. Since you don't have private quarters, it will be believable. Pick one of your missions outside the pack as the one when you met Dawn, no less than two months ago. Dawn didn't join the pack yet because she is acclimating, but you will do that formality soon and at that time you will announce her as your mate and request private quarters." George thought how that was a good story. It was more-less what he was planning to do with Dawn before he considered the risks of exposing that he had a mate. "Because Dawn didn't join our pack, I'm keeping an eye on her in my villa, to ensure she is not a spy."

Owen was impressed with George's plan. No wonder people spoke highly about him as a Commander. But Owen had other concerns. "What about Zina?"

"Zina is Dawn's friend and is considering joining our pack, so she is staying at my villa. She arrived today."

"Will Alpha Edward buy it?"

"As long as our stories match," George said, and he hoped he was right about this.

Owen had many questions, but they were approaching the packhouse and he knew that he needed to keep those for later.

Meeting with the Alpha was nerve-wracking.

…

Owen followed George into Alpha Edward's study. It was the first time for Owen to come here.

George and Owen saluted and stood straight in front of Alpha Edward and Beta Raymond, waiting for the duo to acknowledge them.

James was also sitting on the sofa chair. After exchanging nods with George, James returned his attention to the reports in his hands.

George stood in front of Alpha Edward in silence. He hated this silent show of power. It was Alpha Edward's way to reinforce his position as the important one and how others need to wait for him.

George was uneasy about Owen's presence. Owen was necessary to make George's story believable, but it could also backfire big time.

Sure, there was a time when Owen and George were close. Actually, Owen was one of the few people George could call friends. However, those days were long gone as George became a General and Owen didn't, and since then, the rift between them was only increasing and now George didn't know where they stood.

What if Owen says that Dawn was George's mate? What if he exposes George as an Alpha?

In the worst case, George will fight his way out. Taking down Alpha Edward won't be a big deal. However, what about Beta Raymond and Owen? If they manage to land a single punch, it can get George out of balance. What if Alpha Edward calls for reinforcements?

James was also there. Considering that George kept Cornelia's secret, the teen will definitely come to his aid, or at least not act against him. Probably.

"Commander George," Alpha Edward called. "Thank you for coming here on short notice. Did I disturb your dinner?"

George was confused by this question. "No. I didn't get a chance to eat."

"That makes us even," Alpha Edward said and when he saw that George didn't understand, he explained, "You detained an Omega who is organizing our meals, so our dinner is late. I hear your Omegas are capable. Should I ask them to work in the packhouse and serve high-ranking members?"

George was not sure if Alpha Edward was serious or if this was some kind of test, but George's answer was the same.

"Are you telling me that this whole packhouse relies on one Omega? I will be glad to lend you my Omegas, but I will say in advance that you can't keep them, no matter how good their cooking is."

Alpha Edward narrowed his eyes at George. "Will you fight me over a few Omegas?"

"Not a few. Only one. Estelle is with me for a long time, and she knows my preferences when it comes to food. I'm not sure if her cooking will suit your taste. An Omega of her age is not easy to learn new recipes."

Alpha Edward stared at George for a long second, and then he chuckled. "Let's stop with this nonsense and tell me why you disturbed the rhythm of the packhouse over a spat between Omegas at the market."

"I'm sure you heard what happened."

"I want to hear it from you."

George told what he prepared in advance. How his Omegas were shopping for ingredients, and Ana got in their way.

"They are my Omegas, and it would look bad on me if I let others prevent them from completing their tasks."

"Your Omegas?" Alpha Edward asked. "And are you saying that your Omegas are above mine?"

"I didn't realize she was yours, Alpha," George responded right away. "I thought she worked in the packhouse, which meant that she works for the pack."

George could see that this won't work, so he switched to plan B.

"The thing is that one of those Omegas is Lieutenant Owen's mate. He saw his mate in trouble and his wolf took over."

Alpha Edward was eyeing Owen who was quick to lower his head.

"Alpha," George called. "If this was an argument between two warriors, I would tell them to take it outside the market. Lieutenant Owen warned Ana that she should step away from his mate, yet she refused. After that, I asked warriors to detain her. I did it to teach her obedience. Omega can't go against a warrior. It was a policy we always enforced. Is this something worth your time? I am aware of rules and I did what's best for the given situation."

Alpha Edward nodded after a long second and George felt like a big burden fell off his chest. In the next moment, Alpha Edward spoke again, and George's insides tightened.

"I hear that there was a new face present as well."

"Yes, we have a guest…" George told the story of how the newcomer (aka Zina) is an Omega from a small pack and is considering joining the Red Moon pack because Dawn is her friend.

"It is nice of you to keep two Omegas in your house for observation," Alpha Edward said.

"I do what I can, just like anyone else in this pack."

Alpha Edward approved. "Did you hear that, Raymond? This should be spread so that no one dares to question if George became a Commander too soon. This type of dedication and loyalty is difficult to find."

George lowered his head. "Your words honor me, Alpha."

Alpha Edward turned to look at Owen. "I guess I should congratulate you on finding your mate, Lieutenant Owen. When will I get to meet her?" Before Owen could respond, Alpha Edward was talking again, "How about you join us at the event tomorrow? Make sure to bring your mate's friend as well…"

 

Chapter 900: In this together (3)

Owen and George walked back to George's villa, and Owen's mind was spinning.

"How are we going to pull through tomorrow's event?" Owen asked. "Are you really expecting me to go there with your mate? What about mine?"

George was lost in his thoughts, and he tuned out Owen. Owen was a good warrior, but his go-to solutions to almost any problem were physical altercations. A typical werewolf.

While they were in the study, George knew that James was paying attention. And he hoped that James had some ideas on how to deal with this because George had none. Unfortunately, they played right into Alpha Edward's hands and now Dawn and Zina were stuck with going to the party to be exposed… in front of Alpha Edward and many other lecherous bastards.

The moment George realized that Alpha Edward got his way, George wanted to ask James for advice, but he couldn't risk Alpha Edward noticing they were communicating through the pack link. It would only bring James into this whole mess.

To make things worse, Beta Reymond suggested that Nora comes tomorrow to George's villa to help Dawn and Zina prepare for the event.

How will Dawn react when she finds out that she should come to James' birthday party as Owen's mate? George knew that the upcoming event will be stress-inducing, but he had no idea it will be this much!

Owen was nervous. Why was George silent? How was he supposed to go to a party with another man's mate and act lovey-dovey when his fiery Goddess will be right there!? If George said that the blonde was his mate, they wouldn't find themselves in this sticky web of lies.

"Why didn't you tell Alpha about Dawn?" Owen asked.

Dawn's name got George's attention. "Are you forgetting who Alpha Edward is?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you think I want to expose Dawn's existence and give him a chance to take her to bed?"

Owen's face fell. "He wouldn't…"

"He would! He already did it many times! Alpha Edward doesn't care if someone is mated or willing. He will use his position and take what he wants, and your options are to submit or to suffer the consequences of going against your Alpha!" George shoved a hand into his hair angrily. "Fuck! I will be damned if I let him put a finger on my mate!"

Owen pressed his lips into a line. His mood was dropping with every next step he took. George was visibly upset about this, but what hit Owen hard was that if someone like Commander George can't protect his mate, how will lowly Lieutenant Owen achieve that? Maybe he really didn't deserve a mate.

Owen remembered one thing. "Alpha Damon will be here tomorrow. We can talk to him and…"

"And what?" George interrupted him. "Are you expecting him to back you up and risk provoking Alpha Edward?"

"Are you saying that we are alone in this?"

"WE?" George snapped. "How bold of you to assume that we are in this together. For the last few years, every time I see you, you are either talking shit or trying to make me look bad. Do you think I will stick my neck out in order to help you?"

Owen extended his next two steps so that he can get in George's way and force him to stop walking.

"Listen, George… I fucked up. OK? I know I am at fault here. Tell me, how can we fix this? I mean, no matter how much you dislike me, the reality is that we need to collaborate because Alpha is expecting me to show up at that party tomorrow with YOUR mate by my side. Unless you are planning to challenge Alpha Edward's authority, you need to hide her. Are you going to send her to the Dark Howlers pack? Send me with her." And Zina as well. The females already told him that Alpha Damon is accepting newcomers.

George knew that Owen's point was valid, but he was not in the right state of mind to make reasonable decisions.

George stepped to the side and moved around Owen. "Let's talk about it later."

"Later? We don't have time," Owen protested while rushing to catch up with George.

"And I have no ideas," George admitted. "Unless you have something good, we will wait."

"Wait, for what?"

George didn't respond. What were they waiting for? A divine intervention?

Owen's face was arranged into a deep frown as he followed after George.

Owen was trying to come up with options, but he knew there were only two. Submit to Alpha Edward or run. Anything else would result in his death or going into the dungeon and Owen was not keen on any of those.

Was Owen ready to leave the Red Moon pack? If he wanted to stay with his mate, he needed to make that decision sooner than he thought. Can he uproot his life for a person he met only a few hours ago? They didn't even kiss! But she was his other half, and she was beautiful and kind and funny, and… Owen was unsure of what to do.

…

"George!"

A scream was heard the moment George opened the door of his villa and Dawn-bullet ran to him.

George's grumpiness melted away when the petite cinnamon-scented blonde hung on him like a koala.

George never imagined that a silly and loud female could make him feel at home, yet here was Dawn, clinging onto him and rubbing her face on the side of his neck, and he tightened his hold on her in a desire to merge with her completely and never separate.

Owen stared at the scene in front of him. Did he ever see George smile before? Owen didn't remember.

Dawn giggled as George planted kisses all over the place and Owen had difficulty looking away.

"Did Alpha Edward bully you?"

Owen whipped his head to see Zina approaching him. He wished that Zina jumped on him, just as Dawn did on George, but he knew that their relationship was not at that stage. He didn't mark her, claim her, kiss her, or… he didn't do anything. Will he ever be able to walk with Zina by his side and his chin raised proudly?

Zina put her hand on Owen's cheek, and he leaned into her spark-infused touch that had the power to dispel all his worries.

Owen stared into Zina's blue eyes that smiled at him and the world faded as he realized that her scent of chamomile was more distinct than before. When they met the first time, it was in the market that was filled with scents, and then his nose was filled with blood, and the kitchen had various spices, but now he was confident that he didn't imagine it. Zina smelled of chamomile.

Owen loved eating and drinking chamomile and he would always pluck a few flowers when available or have a few dried ones in his pocket. Can he put Zina in his pocket?

"Owen? … Owen?"

Zina's voice reached him, and he blinked into reality.

"Sorry, did you say something?"

"I asked, did Alpha Edward give you a hard time?"

Owen didn't want to lie, but he couldn't say anything that would make Zina worry.

What if Zina hears about trouble and says that he was not worth it, and she leaves? Or what if she likes the idea of going into Alpha Edward's grasp? His stomach cramped painfully at this last thought.