27. Into the Mouth of the Wolf

Paul - His villa
(“Into the mouth of the wolf” is a Romanian saying which has the same meaning as “Into the belly of the beast”.)
After a long day at the office and countless mind-numbing meetings, I pull up in front of my house's driveway. People have already begun to flow through the gates. I have to suck it up and prepare myself since the worst meeting of all is yet to come.
I'm getting a headache as I go through the wolf swarm. Handshakes, hugs, and back pats are all part of the ritual anytime we meet outside of the real world. Although many of them work for my firm, we maintain a professional atmosphere in the downtown office building.
Laughter fills my living room and brightens my mood. The large table in the center of the ground-floor ballroom draws my gaze. It's brimming with various dishes of different sizes and colors. Dan apparently did request volunteers to bring meals tonight. That has left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. Even though I have a lot of money, the best chefs, and the most expensive ingredients at my disposal, they all prefer home-cooked meals. Typical romanians.
At least the champagne shining from the crystal glasses indicates that I've contributed more than just the location of this party. I see familiar faces, but I try to ignore the loud chatter, the laughter, and even some inappropriate jokes. I grin at the people around me without listening to what they have to say. While rehearsing my speech in my head, I see faults that others may exploit. So I tweak it some more.
When I feel ready, I take a small teaspoon from the table and tap my glass with it, making it jingle. One by one, the wolves turn their gazes to me as their conversations die down.
"Thank you all for joining me tonight. First and foremost, I apologize for not being there with you throughout the last full moon phase. A critical situation required immediate attention."
Dan and Alin stand close by. The latter grimaces at my words. I haven’t yet dealt with him.
I force a little grin on my lips. "I summoned you here, however, for a very different reason. I'd like to make an important announcement that affects all of you."
A familiar scent drifts across my senses. I look toward the stairs as Laura descends, and I gulp. Despite her hair being neatly tucked into a bun and not flowing freely in waves as I would like, her appearance is absolutely stunning.
It is impossible for me not to notice the delicate collarbones, the line between her breasts, the curves under the tight dress, and the long slit from her thigh down to her ankle. A rush of primordial desire floods my chest and ripples down my body, settling in my groin.
She approaches and comes to a halt a few feet away. All the members of my pack, a sea of individuals she doesn't know, are in front of us. But her gaze is fixed on mine, making my cheeks flush. It's difficult for me to finish my speech now, but I must.
"As most of you are aware, I've prioritized the company and the supernatural matters at the expense of my personal life. My effectiveness in doing my obligations will not be affected by what I do in my spare time. As a result, I'd like you all to meet Laura, my mate."
Whispers break out in the crowd. I move my glance around, attempting to analyze their reactions. Finally, I come to a halt, my gaze fixed on Laura. Maria, the girl Dan suggested for her cooking, sniffs around Laura's neck.
"She doesn't smell like a wolf," Maria states as she exhales.
A wave of whispers comes again, more heightened this time. They all nudge me to reconsider my decision. The pack is for wolves, and outsiders aren’t welcome.
“I don’t want another.” I force my tone to stay even. “Laura is my chosen mate.”
Laura takes that as an invitation to approach, her hips swaying like willows in a delicate summer breeze, her triumphant gaze never straying from me.
As if I'm made of the same precious crystal as the glass in my hand, she gives me a delicate hug. I reciprocate the gesture with a genuine grin, wrapping one arm around her slim waist. Having her at my side so close, I almost forget how difficult this night will be, and even my headache begins to fade.
“She’s a strigoi!” Alin yells, shutting down everyone else. “How do we know she’s not a spy sent by the Council? She might wait to find something useful to threaten us and dissolve the accord or modify it for better terms.”
Biting back the rebuke, I clench and unclench my fists repeatedly. I direct my focus to Laura and see how the flame in her eyes dims at the suggestion, but her chin stubbornly rises higher in response. She maintains her composure and looks up at me with the assurance of a woman who doesn't question my response. She'll make an excellent mate for an alpha.
I know Alin is upset with me because of how I responded to his so-called love, but now is not the time to begin a fight with me. Though I promised him a battle under the full moon, I've denied him the opportunity due to my absence.
“She’s not with the Council. I can assure you of that. This union will strengthen the accord and the peace we fought so hard to obtain.”
“I agree,” Dan says.
With a nod, I thank him for having my back. Some people nod as well, and I feel like I can do this.
Alin grits his teeth and steps forward. “She’s nothing more than a bloodthirsty bitch who either wants a piece of your fortune or your connections in the underworld. Take your pick!”
Tension flares in my muscles. My arm tightens protectively around Laura's waist, but she has no visible reaction to that wolf's words. Maybe she's accustomed to dismissing such comments, but I'm not.
“You wanted a fight, Alin? You got it! I challenge you under the next full moon. May the best wolf win.”
I'll be exiled if I lose, and he'll be the new Alpha, but I don't care. Laura will never be respected among the wolves if I allow him to talk like this about her now. That is not acceptable.
“Does anyone else have something to add? I’m eager to fight whoever speaks ill of Laura.”
A few muffled whispers are still slithering to my ears, but I have to do this here and now.
“There’s no rule saying he can’t have a strigoi as his mate.” Tamara, the elder of the pack, comes forward. The others remain silent and make room for her to pass.
She's been deafeningly quiet until now, and I've hoped she'd stay that way. At first, I was terrified of what she might say. Her words bring me hope. Her comments carry a great deal of weight in the hearts and minds of my wolves. If she tells them everything is okay, then they will believe her.
"Paul, to appease everyone's concerns, you should follow the rules as you’ve always done. Show us the proof of your mating ritual and no one will say another word about this issue."