His hand rested at the small of her back. Though he wanted to wrap his arms around her, to show the world she was his, he knew she needed to stand before the pack and exhibit her strength and courage. Yet, even as he knew this, his hand coasted along her back. It was impossible for him not to touch her.
“I’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Mayers, our newest pack member and my mate.”
A few members exchanged glances, confirming that rumors of him and Shaw’s niece had gone further than he’d intended. He didn’t bother to bring up Lydia. As far as he was concerned, that issue was over.
“Some of you may have heard her name before. She’s new in town and is making quite the splash in the art world.” He smiled proudly. She might have had a troubled past, but she hadn’t let that stop her. She believed in herself and followed her dreams.
“Rightly so,” Fredrica interrupted. “Her work is fantastic. Hopefully, it won’t be long before it’s covering the walls here.”
“Thank you.” Alyssa’s smile was warm. Drew was glad the two women had had time to bond. It would make this introduction smoother.
He glanced around at his pack. A few of the single guys were leaning against the wall, and several couples had occupied the furniture in the room. Maddox and Fredrica sat next to one another at the lunch table, their hands intertwined on the surface. Callum lounged nearby in the doorframe.
“You probably recognize her scent from our hunt the other night and that her scent is unique.” Drew knew it wasn’t his place to share her history with the pack, but they also deserved to know who would be at his side as he led them. He partially wished he’d been able to introduce her to his parents first. He’d called his father that morning to update him. While he hadn’t confirmed his mate had found him, he told them they should come home for some life-altering news. His mother had assumed that he had discovered his mate, and her high-pitched squeal of excitement had made Drew smile. They would be home before the end of the week.
“Alyssa has never belonged to a pack,” Drew continued. Again, they exchanged glances, but they knew better than to interrupt him when he made announcements pertaining to the pack. “She’s had a difficult life, and until now, she’s been completely alone.”
Now they spoke—many of the women vocalizing concern for her.
“Where has she been?”
“Is she okay?”
“How is that possible?”
Drew held up a hand to silence their questions. “In all likelihood, we’ll never know her true history, where she came from, or who her parents were. Tied up in that is her breeding. It’s unclear if she’s a half-breed or a full shifter, but she is my mate and will be valued as part of our pack.” Alyssa turned her head and glanced at him. “If anyone has a problem with that, speak now.”
The people before him remained silent—a good sign.
Greg uncrossed his arms and pushed off the wall. “Welcome to the pack, Alyssa.”
The smile on her face grew. “Thank you.”
She’d never had a home before. Never felt loved or wanted. Drew intended to change that. She’d never be alone again. Alyssa Mayer now had not only him but his family and his pack.
“We have a problem, though.” Drew held up the necklace Alyssa had brought from her apartment. “Alyssa has been dealing with a stalker for several months. His name is Mitch. He’s a shifter, and we believe he will be sticking around town, despite being warned away. I want everyone on alert, and if anyone sees or catches his scent, call Callum or me immediately.”
Each person in the room took the necklace for a moment.
“He is to be considered dangerous.”
They rounded off their impromptu meeting with introductions and a few friendly questions for Alyssa. Maddox typed in a search for her artwork and showed off some of her latest pieces that Zelda had posted on social media. As the room fawned over them, Drew knew Fredrica was right. Her work belonged on the walls at Wildlings.
When the meeting ended, many of the pack wanted to go for a run as the sun went down. Drew excused himself and Alyssa, leaving the organization of the run to Callum. Even if Alyssa wanted to take things slow, he knew one day, likely soon, she’d be moving into his home. It was time to show his mate her new home.