Chapter 9

Kade

Everything was ready.

The guest rooms had been checked. Security had been doubled around the packhouse and eastern residential district. My mother had reorganized the dining hall twice, and the kitchens had prepared enough food for twice the number of guests we expected.

Still, I found myself watching every entrance as we waited outside.

Alpha Tiernan’s convoy appeared along the main road shortly before sunset. Two dark vehicles stopped at the foot of the packhouse steps.

Tiernan emerged first, followed by his Beta and five warriors. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with the quiet confidence of a wolf who did not need to prove his rank.

His Beta, Cole, remained half a step behind him while the warriors spread naturally around their Alpha.

Liam stood on my right. My mother stood on my left.

Sloane waited beside me. Her position was deliberate.

She wore a deep red dress, her hair pinned into an eleg