The man seemed no older than forty, had aged remarkably well, and was reported to be 200 years old and unpartnered. He understood why his father had informed him that she-wolves regarded him as one of the most appealing Alphas. He was now relieved that Bella had not encountered him prior to understanding his significance to her.
His gaze completed its survey before diverting to open the door for a woman, whom he supposed to be Clara. She was an impressive woman, with long dark hair, two braids cascading down either side of her head, converging at the back into a single lengthy plait. He saw that she has the green eyes of her grandchild.
Luke observed Alpha Philip extend his hand to her, which she accepted to exit the vehicle. She smiled directly at her Alpha, who reciprocated the gesture. She expressed gratitude for his assistance, and Luke recognised that they had a genuine rapport, evident from the authentic smiles they exchanged. Clara appeared to be no more than thirty years old, he guessed.
She was also attired in an elegant knee-length dark grey knit dress that accentuated her figure. This lady exhibited no shame; she possessed the physique of a warrior and likely still embodied that essence, he contemplated, as she donned three-inch black stilettos. Without them, he was likely five feet two inches tall, comparable to Vera, he surmised.
His Gamma donned plain black pants and a grey dress shirt, devoid of a tie or jacket, as he proceeded to the rear of their vehicle to get their baggage.
Their pack resided further north, where temperatures were presumably lower than in this location. He seems unaffected by the frigid winter.
“Alpha Luke, where is the Luna?”Alpha Philip enquired without hesitation as he ascended the pack-house steps.
“On her journey, she is educating the children about the mating behaviours of wolves.” “They require some elucidation to comprehend our customs, having been reared in the human realm.” He offered his hand to the guy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Philip.”
“Such measures would have been unnecessary had they been permitted to be reared within the pack.” Would it now?He approached Luke directly, expressing his thoughts without hesitation. He grasped Luke’s hand firmly as he ascended to the top step before Luke, compelling him to look up. He exceeded him in height by three inches.
Luke had not anticipated that, especially considering he stood six feet four inches tall and exuded the scent of fresh blood. Luke need no assistance from Maddis for that task; it is unsurprising that he appeared so large and formidable.
“You may not perceive Alpha Luke in the same light following my visit.” He said, releasing his hand, then dismissing him and turning to Vera, “Well now, look at how mature you’ve become.” Jodi continues to treat you well.
“Philip, it is a pleasure to see you as well,” Vera said, “and indeed, he continues to indulge me excessively every day.”
“As a Mate ought to.” He nodded while extending his hand to Jodi, greeting him with equal warmth.
Luke mentally sighed, recognising that it was a complete affront to him; he had to dismiss it. He observed Clara embrace Vera and then Jodi, warmly greeting both, but failing to acknowledge him entirely, not even with an introduction, he noted. She was probably dissatisfied with him at this point.
“When will I see Bella?”Philip’s grey eyes returned to his.
“Upon her arrival, it should not take an extended period.” She was at the school with her grandmother and my Beta’s mate, Margaret.
“Is she guarded?”He enquired immediately.
“No, not at all.” He refused to succumb to that entrapment, and fortunately, with Maddis still slumbering, his wolf did not react to the intended affront. “This morning, there was an issue with Bella’s human nanny in L.A.; the girl is my Gamma’s human mate.” We have not yet summoned her. It may be described as obstinate, in my opinion.
“I will inspect our rooms, have coffee, and then I would like to see Bella and the children.” Do not prolong my wait on that matter; the result will be unfavourable for you.
Indeed, there is an appealing coffee centre located on the third floor.
“I hope you have satisfactory coffee.” I detest drip.
Luke affirmed, “All beans are freshly ground here, I assure you.” I will escort you to your rooms.
Escorted all of them to the first floor and to their apartments. You may get to the third level using the stairs, or utilise the lift located immediately beyond them, if preferred.
“I may be elderly, but I am not yet in need of a lift,” he asserted as he entered his room and then locked the door. It was the largest room on the first level, intended for accommodating Alpha visitors.
Luke exhaled deeply as he departed with Benzy. “Not in your favour whatsoever.”
Benzy asserted.
“No,” Luke concurred. “It was inconsequential that both her parents were present with me.”
“No, it did not.” Benzy said, “Clara resembles Bella.”
“Vera resembles her more, although Bella inherited Clara’s eyes, as I observed.” He said, as they ascended to the third level via the stairs. Informed Bella by mind-link that Alpha Philip was present and anticipated seeing her promptly. He said they would be in the coffee hub and would welcome her quick arrival after concluding her time with Deena and the youngsters.
Fortunately, at this hour of the morning, the coffee establishment was largely devoid of his companions, as most were occupied with work at 0930. He and Benzy consolidated many tables to accommodate those who would be joining them, including the youngsters.
“Luke, do you wish for Lanky and me to be present at the table?”
“He is not concerned about you or the boys; his focus is solely on Bella and the children.”
“We shall sit near Amelia, appropriately close yet not intrusive or perceived as necessary.”
“If you appreciate Benzy,” he acknowledged.
“Calm down, Luke; he will sense your anxiety.” What is Maddis’s current condition?”
