The Joker; His foreign she-wolf

Unexpected

*Johnny*

The following evening, as my car glides through the streets on its way to King’s, I know I had made a mistake in stopping by my parents’ residence first. My father is withering away, unable to communicate except by blinking. I suspect his mind remains agile but imprisoned, like his frail body.

Yet, I can't help but wonder if it's a just punishment for a man who murdered his first mate and attempted to kill his second. And now, there are those who whisper, wondering if he’s also been responsible for the death of his older brother in order to inherit the titles that rightfully would have gone to the elder.

I'm grateful my father and I have never been close. Still, witnessing his deterioration is difficult.

However, my mother sits by the bed, serenely reading aloud ‘The Alpha of my Desires.’ That the book was written by Knight’s mate and detailed their love affair from years before doesn’t seem to bother the Luna, but I have never been able to bring myself to read of my friend’s exploits. Certainly, I have no one who is going to write about my affairs. The few lovers I have had were known for their discretion. I showered them with enough coins and baubles to ensure they remain so.

But after spending time being reminded of the sort of man who sired me, I'm not in the mood to attend a dinner, to be among friends, or to discuss business. I need a heady distraction. A kiss that melts my bones. Delicate hands with long, slender fingers plowing through my hair before curling over my shoulders in an attempt to hold onto me forever.

I want to be held forever.

With a curse at the unfamiliar yearning, I glance out the window. Fearing I would be as insatiable as my father, I have learned to tamp down my desires and never allow them full rein over me.

But ever since that night at the Moon Goddess club, since the she-wolf of Sighs, I have been unable to think of much else except for the glorious manner in which her mouth moved over mine. The way in which she welcomed me.

For someone who had claimed to have never been kissed, she was certainly a fast learner. A natural. A siren. A vixen. I want to taste her again. But that's unlikely to happen. She could be on a ship back to the western lands. Will I ever find anyone her equal? Anyone who might possibly have the power to break through the barriers I have erected and stir such unyielding passion within me?

My car pulls into the drive that circles in front of King’s residence. Judging by the number of vehicles queued up, I'm the last to arrive. My drive brings car to a halt. A servant opens the door and I step out. It's a lovely summer’s evening and the thought of spending it with friends, in spite of my earlier reservations, perks me up considerably. Even if a bit of business is involved. I welcome the distraction from my morose musings.

I bound up the steps, not surprised when the door immediately opens, and King’s butler lets me in with a brisk nod. "M'beta."

"Keating." I say with a nod.

"They are waiting for you in the grand drawing room. If you will be so kind as to follow me." The butler says.

I have known Keating for ages, but the man remains as formal as ever, well aware that I know exactly where to find the grand drawing room. Still, I respond, "Lead the way."

A few steps in, I add, "I assume everyone's here."

"Yes, m'beta." He says.

"Including the visitor from the western lands?" I ask.

He nods, "Yes, my beta."

"What's your impression of them?" I ask him.

"I have none, my beta." He says.

I grin, "Come now, Keating, you must have formed some opinion. Brash? Arrogant? Boastful?"

Keating stops to face me. "The gent reminds me of a puppy, my beta, full of boundless energy and eager to please."

Eager to get his hands on our money. "And the young she-wolf?"

"Watchful. I don't think she quite trusts us." He says.

"The high packs in general or the hand in particular?" I ask.

"I'm not entirely sure."

I would have thought she would be zealous about pleasing as well if she wished to court success regarding her hunt for a mate. "Well, I'm certain the mates will put her at ease and reassure her that she has nothing to fear."

"I expect you're correct, my beta." He says.

I grin, "I usually am."

With a slight shift in his lips that almost passes for a smile, Keating continues his trek down the wide hallway, and I dutifully follow. King, being the Alpha of Brinsley, usually handles such affairs with a great deal of formality and aplomb, as befits his title. I respect rituals and have nothing against adhering to them.

The butler precedes me into the drawing room, and I only have a second to notice that everyone within is gathered together talking. King without his Luna, Penny, who is no doubt off ensuring something or other is being correctly done. Knight and Althea. Ace and Marguerite. A tall, hefty fellow with reddish-blond hair. The foreigner, no doubt. A petite she-wolf with auburn hair salted with a few strands of silver. His sister I assume.

Keating clears his throat. "My Alpha, beta Johnny has arrived." He then discreetly departs as everyone turns to give me their attention.

The mate hunter is somewhat older than I had expected, experience in those eyes that assess me. Based on the creases along her brow, I would have thought she would have long ago married and would have had several children by now. Obviously, she had no luck snagging a man. Her straight firm mouth that expressed disapproval might have played a role in her spinsterhood. The judgment in her blue eyes makes me want to squirm. "My apologies for my tardiness."

"Nothing to worry over," King says, stepping forward. "We have been discussing the weather. Allow me the honor of introducing…"

His words come to an abrupt halt as light but brisk footfalls sound, echoing along the hallway and growing louder until they fill the parlor and come to a sudden halt.

"Forgive the delay," Penny announces.

I turn to greet King’s lovely and efficient Luna, but the words that tumble through my mind refuse to be uttered.

Because standing beside King’s Luna is the she-wolf of sighs.