Judy’s POV
The landing gear thudded against the runway, jolting me out of half–sleep. Pale light poured through the oval windows, welcoming a new day for France. We had flown all day to reach our destination, and I was beyond exhausted and jetlagged.
Gavin kissed my temple before he stood, offering his hand to help me up. I took it without hesitation and allowed him to pull me off the plane with the others. When we stepped off the plane, the air was cooler, crisper, carrying a faint scent of rain and pine. The mountains that edged the horizon looked like they’d been carved from mist and memory.
A sleek black SUV waited on the tarmac. Standing beside it was a tall man in a tailored gray coat, his dark hair perfectly swept back, his stance radiating the kind of confidence that came from being second–in–command. I already knew who he was because I recognized his appearance from the Gamma competitions. He wasn’t there the entire time, but he appeared occasionally beside Alpha
Jeremy, and even then, his confidence was evident. Read complete version only at FιndNovel.net
“Monsieur Alpha Landry. Luna Landry,” he said, nodding at both Gavin and me. I didn’t bother correcting him, and I was pleased to see that neither did Gavin. I wasn’t a Luna yet, but I suppose that didn’t matter because I would be as soon as we did the ceremony. “I am Raul Delcour, Beta of
the Blood Thorne Pack.”
Raul’s voice was smooth with a French accent that wrapped around every word. We were truly in France, and I was giddy with excitement.
Gavin offered his hand, shaking Raul’s firmly.
“We appreciate the welcome, Beta.”
Raul stepped back to look at our group as a whole; his eyes assessing as if he was thinking about
something.
“We have set you up in our most luxurious hotels. However, there has been a slight delay, so Alpha Jeremy asks that I take you straight to the packhouse,” Raul said, his eyes finding Gavin’s again.
“Of course,” Gavin said, nodding his head.
The gammas that came along with us loaded the SUV with our belongings before they went over to speak with Erik. After a few moments, they parted ways. They went into another car with a few of the French gammas while Erik accompanied us.
Once we were all piled into the SUV, Raul drove us to the packhouse. The drive took less than 30 minutes, winding through narrow roads flanked by thick woods and stone fences draped in ivy. It felt centuries away from Silver Crescent’s modern sprawl–this was old land, sacred and guarded.
When the gates came into view, I inhaled sharply. The Blood Thorne Packhouse was more a chateau than a residence, sprawling across the hillside like a sleeping beast. Gray stone walls climbed towards ornate towers, every window glowing amber against the overcast sky.
As the car rolled to a stop, a few wolves in dark uniforms bowed respectfully. Their movements were precise, almost rehearsed, the kind of discipline you only saw in packs where tradition ruled everything.
Raul led up the steps.
“Please, this way.”
Inside, the air smelled faintly of oak, firewood, and something older…. Incident magic, maybe? Chandeliers hung low, their crystals scattering light across portraits of past Alphas.
Gavin placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me through the packhouse behind Raul. The others trailed behind us, all looking at different things as we walked. The grand doors at the end of the corridor opened before we reached them. A tall man stood waiting inside. Alpha Jeremy
himself.
His presence filled the room like a storm contained in fine clothing. Sharp blue eyes, silver–threaded hair, and the kind of charm that could make anyone forget to breathe.
“Alpha Landry,” Jeremy greeted, smiling widely, taking his hand and clapping him on the back in one of those hugs that guys do. “It’s good to see you.”
“You as well. I have to be honest, I was a bit surprised when I received your invitation. I didn’t think you’d ever invite outsiders to your territory.”
“Times are changing, and I figured after all you’ve been through with Levi, you deserved to have a little fun. What better way to have fun than at my masquerade?”
“I can’t argue with that,” Gavin said with a laugh. “I’m sure you remember my mate, Judy?”
Jeremy’s eyes flickered to me, and he bowed his head as he took hold of my hand and brought it to his lips.
“How could I forget the champion of the Gamma competition?” he said, placing a gentle kiss on my knuckles before releasing my hand. Gavin immediately grabbed my hand and subtly wiped the moisture from Jermey’s lips with his thumb. I knew he was fighting back a scowl, and I bit my lower lip to keep from grinning at him.