“The Council apologizes for how your last placement went. But I assure you this pack will be a perfect fit. The alpha is a bit rough around the edges but once you get to know her you'll like her very much,” Mr. Jacobs says with a smile as the car comes to a stop in front of the mansion.

“Mr. Jacob, how are you?” a man about an inch shorter than Alex asks, holding out his hand in an offering.

“Good, how are you, Beta Oliver?” Mr. Jacobs asks shaking the younger man's hand vigorously.

“I'm doing great, especially with the extra help,” Beta Oliver says, nodding at the slightly taller figure behind the councilman. “Alpha Vanessa sends her apologies for not being able to greet you, she's been swamped with our first Beta’s…departure.” Beta Oliver grimaces at the mention of the ex-Beta.

“I understand,” I said stepping forward, “My name is Alex. It's nice to meet you, Beta Oliver.” Alex says holding out a hand only to be pulled into a hug.

“Please, call me Oli.” Oli smiles pulling away, “We're going to work together, it's faster to say Oli than it is to say, Beta Oliver.”

“Thank you, Beta Oli.”

“I meant just Oli.” The Beta smiles, “Call me whatever makes you feel comfortable. Now, how about a tour?”

“And this is your room. Dinners around seven and if you need anything you call me at this number,” Oli says, handing Alex a business card. “Do you need anything else before I go?”

“Uh, just one thing,” Alex pauses only continuing when Oli gives her an encouraging nod, “When will I meet Alpha?”

“She will be joining us for dinner, you'll be seated on her right and I’ll be seated on her left. And if you need anything during dinner just say so, I or Alpha Vanessa will be happy to help.” Ollie says reassuringly.

“Would it be okay if I just come to you?” Alex asks, feeling extremely vulnerable with just one question.

“Of course,” Ollie says with a wide smile, “Anything else?”

“No thank you, Beta Ollie,” Alex says, watching as Ollie nods before retreating.

Alex stared at the pack’s dining room. All of the dining rooms she had ever seen looked like they had come fresh out of the 18th century but this one looked more modern. The simple dark oak table fits up to six with chairs to match. Alex frowned at the four placemats, was the Alpha’s mate not attending dinner?

“Alex, I'm glad you made it. This is my mate, Daniel,” Ollie says, his chest puffed up proudly.

“Hi,” Daniel chuckled, extending his hand toward Alex.

“Alex, it's nice to meet you,” Alex smiles, shaking the man's hand. As the two let go of each other barely audible footsteps were heard approaching.

“That must be Vanessa,” Ollie says with a reassuring smile, noticing Alex tense up. “Ness, how was your day?” Ollie asks, following the Alpha towards the dinner table. Ness took her seat at the head of the table with her back to the picture window, Ollie took the chair to her left leaving Daniel to take the chair on his mate's left leaving Alex standing there like a fool. Ness arched a brow at the unknown presence, taking subtle sniffs. “You’re Alex, right?” Ness asks, her voice a low grumble. Alex felt her body shut down under the Alpha’s intimidating stare. All she could do was nod and mumble, “Yes, Alpha.” instinctively bowing her head. Alex heard the sound of the chair scraping against the floor before she could process the sight, Ness stood in front of her. Her hand stretched out.

“Vanessa. But you can call me Ness,” Ness smiled. A warm inviting smile.

“It's nice to meet you Alpha, I'm Alex. I'm your new beta-” Alex stumbled over her words as she stared into the Alpha’s eyes. Oh no.

“Well, it's an honor to have you here Beta Alex. I hope you'll stay.” Ness says her smile faltering, she must have felt it too. 

“Dinner is served.” a loud cheery woman says holding a feast on a tray in her hands, she's followed by several other people with trays of their own full of drinks and food. “She hasn't scared you too much, has she Beta?” the woman smiles after setting the dish down.

“Not yet,” Alex chuckles awkwardly, she could feel Ness’s eyes on her.

“Vanessa?” Ness’s head snapped towards the woman, “You're staring.” the woman smiles knowingly, “Is she-” a stern look from the Alpha and the woman was chuckling, “Sorry, your business not mine,” the woman says half-heartedly throwing her hands up in surrender, “I'll let you get to dinner,” the woman stopped looking at Alex, “If you need anything, just come to me.” the woman winked before exiting.