I understand his logic. If I choose Terrell, we will merge our packs together. The guards could come together again, and I would have his support as Alpha and his continued protection. It would benefit both packs as well as the entire LS territory. With all the land from the seventh territory, we could expand the dairy and some of the farms. Heck, we could build a second city, bringing in more jobs and income for the smaller packs. The possibilities are endless.
On the flip side, I remember Terrell jumping through the window of his friend’s car, when the guards scared him away. He acted cowardly. And just now, I had to stroke his ego and coddle him. I don’t think I can handle that kind of a man in my life. I don’t have the patience. It’s unfortunate, though, because our union would produce so many benefits for our people. I guess if it came down to it, I would view it as a business partnership.
He chuckles. “I can see the wheels turning in that head of yours. Don’t sell yourself short just yet. There are more men for you to meet.”
“Don’t wander around unless instructed,” Carmen lectures. “The next contestant is on his way and should arrive shortly.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I give her a mocking salute and a flashy smile.
She scoffs and moves to the side. Another gator approaches the gazebo, but I can’t see who is inside. “Why can’t they all just show up at one time and tell me who they are in roll-call style? I can get to know them at the meet-and-greet gathering.”
“Then, the show would be boring. Come on, Jess. The day just started, and you already kicked it off beautifully,” Justin jests.
“Not a big fan of Terrell Beck, huh?”
“Not in the slightest. I would rather see you with one of the old Alphas than him.”
“Noted.” I cross my eyes and stick my tongue out at Justin and then turn my attention to the man making his way to the gazebo. I cock my head as I immediately recognize him—a tall and lean frame with hints of silver in his hair. He is older, but unlike the other gentlemen I met last night, he looks more distinguished.
“Judge Alpha Sam Harrison, from the Luna Solar Territory,” Holden announces.
Sam, or rather Judge Harrison, and I met before. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Judge Harrison.” This time, I mean it. He always held a special place in my heart.
He rests his hand over mine and presses it to his cheek. “The pleasure is mine, Alpha Princess.” Gently squeezing my hand, he winks. “Oh! I was so captivated by your presence, I forgot to give this to you.” He reaches into his pocket and retrieves a small gift box.
I lean forward, and he reveals a charm in the shape of a tiny gavel. “I love it. Thank you.” I hug him and kiss his cheek. As he bids his farewell, I notice a ring on his right hand. He’s wearing a guard ring. I watch him greet my family. He is cordial with thetwins and respectful to my parents. Anders slaps his shoulder in a familiar greeting.
Joe reaches for the gift box in my hands. “He was one of us,” Joe says. “A rogue.” How does a rogue become an Alpha?
“Jessica, we’re going to the garden for this next introduction,” Carmen instructs as the gator transports Judge Harrison back to the castle. I thought I was only meeting two men, but given that the first one was a disaster, I suspect Carmen added another at the last minute. I just want this over, so I don’t question her. Nodding my head like a good Princess, I follow the team.
The garden is stunning up close. I can’t believe this is mine. The air fills with a mixture of a sweet, floral essence. Butterflies flitter from one area to the next. Roses of different varieties, jasmine, gardenias, honeysuckle, and lavender, commingle throughout the garden. A water fountain portrays a woman with long hair and a dress flowing around her, hands cupping a large quartz sphere. Water swirls around her, giving the illusion of a rainstorm.
“Do you like it?” Jeremy asks at my side.
“I love it! How did you manage this on such short notice?” I’m amazed by the wonderful garden.
He smiles. “I know a guy.” Is he talking about Luke? I’m not sure I want to know. I doubt Luke would come here and set up the garden, just for me. Not with the way things ended. “Didn’t take much. Most of it was already here, just overgrown and lying dormant. The fountain was here, too. Luckily, the McLoughlin Construction crew had someone who specializes in restoring them.”
“Thank you. This is amazing, Jeremy.” I sit on the concrete bench near the fountain. A sense of peace overwhelms me. I can see myself here in the future reading a book. Then, longing hits. Iwish I could listen to children’s laughter, tiny feet dancing in the dirt, tiny hands reaching for butterflies. My heart aches.
“Here.” Jeremy holds out his hand and places a coin in my palm. I turn it over, examining it. It’s old. I’ve never seen one like it before.
“Make a wish,” Jeremy urges, tipping his head toward the fountain.
“With this? But this looks like a collector’s coin.”
“Nah. The man who fixed the fountain found it stuck in one of the pipes. I think it was meant to stay with the fountain. Go on. Make your wish.”
I give him a sad smile. I stand in front of the fountain and study the statue. She looks like a Goddess.Can you make wishes come true?Wishes are sometimes just wishes. I close my eyes, holding the coin close to my heart. I wished for so many things throughout my life. The one thing I truly want isn’t just for me but for everyone in my life—family, friends, my pack.
I want a future where we don’t have to hide who we truly are, where love is not cursed, and where magic exists freely without recourse. I wish for confidence, aggressiveness, adaptability, and calmness to take down the Resistance once and for all. Then and only then can we have a future here in the LS. Opening my heart and pouring my wish into the coin, I flip it in the air, opening my eyes when I hear the splash of the water.
“I hope all your wishes come true,” a deep voice says behind me. Slowly, I spin around, learning my lesson from the first contestant.
The sun glows behind him. His frame is tall and broad. He has a square jaw and chestnut-colored hair. His profile and his energy seem familiar. He moves closer, and his eyes shine like gold from the sunlight.
My mouth falls open in surprise. It’s him.
