5 The intimidating man

Colin

The dinner has a lot of people. All the Alphas from all the different packs. All the people, the members. we are in a field, there are tables, enough to accommodate over a hundred people. The place is full and packed.

I am at a table with my dads, brother, and Tala. Uncle D and J are at another table with their friends. Everyone seems to be engaged in conversation. I have been staring at Ashina, and even though I don't feel anything but awe for her beauty, I can't look away.

"How do you feel?'' Tala asks me looking around the room at all the people.

I shrug "Indifferent.''

"You should talk to her,'' she urges and I know that is something I will never do.

I don't just walk up to people and talk to them. I am too timid for that and she is too beautiful.

While I wait for my food, I sit watching her out of the corner of my eye, and at one point she looks up and catches me staring. I look away immediately and my cheeks redden.

Once they bring my plate to my table, I dig in and try to focus on it. Tala is rambling about some cute guy at the table opposite us but I can't seem to pay attention. Dad has been watching me since we sat down, and I can sense the worry in his eyes. Each bite I chew seems to be echoing in my throat as I refuse to meet his eyes. He is the only one that understands me. He is the only one that can tell when something is bothering me.

"He is looking at me,'' Tala squeals excitedly.

I look at the man she is talking about, and sure enough, he is and there is an inviting smile on his face. Tala is not ready to find her mate. She says that she likes having the opportunity to pick and choose. Right now, it is the man that has her attention.

"I should go over there, just like you should," she whispers the last part to me.

I roll my eyes because we are complete opposites. She is beautiful, and there is a lot about her that is extraordinary. I am mediocre and nothing great.

I can't just walk up to someone as amazing as Ashina.

"I'm off,'' she says, jumping off the chair and grabs her plate. My dads watch her as she scurries over to the man's table.

I laugh because this is just typical of Tala. She is unstoppable. I look up at my dad and he rests his chin on his fist, I think he finds this amusing. Colm is seated and on his phone, he is not even paying attention to what is happening around us.

"What are you doing?'' I slide closer to him and I see that he is texting someone.

"Who is Bailey?''

"Someone,'' he shrugs.

"Is she here?''

He smiles and then nods "I met her last night. A pretty blond from the Moon Shine Pack."

He says it so casually, but all I feel is jealousy. It is so easy for him to meet people. It is so easy for him to find where he belongs, unlike me. "Is she here right now?"

he nods and then points to a table in the far end. I see the person he is pointing at and the jealousy intensifies. She is beautiful I've never seen a girl with eyes like that. Colm is obviously in the same category as her, they would make a good couple. Fuck, Ashina would be perfect for someone as perfect as Colm.

I stand and he looks up at me, "You okay?''

I nod "I need some air,'' I tell him and both my dads. It looks like they both want to object, but they let me go.

I walk away from the field and head in the direction of the woods. It's the closest I can get to be alone. I keep walking until I am sure I am alone. Until there is no one but the trees and wildlife.

This is my sanctuary and I feel like the place I am myself the most.

Alone in my thoughts.

And let all that I have inside me out. A single tear falls from my cheek and I can just see it as it quickly sinks into the soft earth below my feet as I slowly tumble to the cool forest floor. I don't know why I am sad. I don't know what is wrong with me.

I don't know who I can talk to.

I don't even know if I want to talk to anyone. I sit in the quiet, away from the madness and I close my eyes. I stay like that for a couple of minutes before I hear footsteps. I open my eyes and I see the man as he walks to the other side of the trees. He hasn't noticed me and he probably wouldn't if I stay quiet.

His mind is obviously in deep thought as he bites his lower lip and his right hand automatically goes to the tattoo on the side of his neck. I know who it is instantly, the tattoo of the black wolf on his neck, tells me immediately.

Lowell Hemming.

Ashina's brother and the Alpha of the Shadow Pack.

His hair is long and alluring. I cant see his face from where I am sitting but it looks like perfection already.

He is so close and even more threatening. My heart thuds against my chest because now I don't want him to see me.

I watch him as he sits down on the cold ground the smell of whiskey hits my nostrils. He has been drinking, he looks like he would rather be anywhere but here.

There is something oddly familiar about him.

I recognize him although I am positive I have never seen him before I've heard of him, though being in his presence is different. A lot more intimidating.

He turns around slowly and our eyes meet.

Fuck.