Chapter 160: 160 Guests

Caiden did not want to discuss what had transpired with Jessie. Caiden had not been inside the old house since the day the complete truth about her was uncovered, and he slept in the main building. He would occasionally catch himself thinking about it, the anxiety he experienced about staying there, all by himself, and full of memories.

Before long, word of his split from Jessie reached every other pack of wolves. All the young ladies in the several packs, who came from strong families, were eager to mate the alpha who was single at the moment.

Something wasn't right when Lisa walked into the room that morning and noticed Caiden sitting on the couch with large dark bags under his eyes.

"You haven't left this place since Jessie was put in jail."

She looked about the room, noting that it wasn't quite as disorganized as it had been that day. "Caiden, what's going on?"After giving Lisa a quick glance and finishing the last swallow of brandy, he got up.

"I'm not this way because of Jessie, you know that" Placing the glass down on the table, he answered.

"It's interesting that Kamara and you are in the same circumstance." Caiden felt the goosebumps from her words. He glanced at her to confirm that his mother was being serious.

Kamara hadn't been seen by Caiden in days. Caiden read her decision to seek safety with the children in Lisa's former forest home as a straightforward indication that she didn't want to be bothered.

"And given that all of her issues have been fixed, why would Kamara feel bad?"

"We are both aware that is untrue." Lisa exclaimed as she walked up to give her kid a hug. "There needs to be an address given the unresolved issue between the two of you. You are mates."

"Perhaps you're correct," Caiden said, but she was certain. "But I don't have time to worry about these things right now. The pack has a lot of work ahead of it."

Caiden was obviously trying to hide his emotions, and Kamara's silence troubled him greatly. Once she realized the whole truth, he had anticipated she would jump into his arms and beg for forgiveness, but instead she had fled the pack and sought solace in silence.

Caiden came to the conclusion that their recent strain had annihilated any love she may have had for him.

When Nate entered the room, he was still contemplating these things and appeared nervous, as though something terrible was about to happen.

"Nate, any problems?" He asked, casting a worried glance at him. "Did the kids experience any problems?"

He felt his throat constrict and swallowed hard before responding, "The boys are fine, sir. The issue is that a lot of people came to the pack this morning hoping to get a meeting with the alpha of the pack."

"A lot of people?"

With haste, Caiden approached the balcony and peered out. In front of the building were a lot of strange people, mostly women. Caiden was perplexed. He turned to face Nate, hoping for an answer. Glancing at Caiden, he remarked, "The news that you had become single quickly spread to all the neighboring packs," waiting for an explosive response. "Some werewolves think it would be a good idea to marry members of two powerful packs in order to unite them."

Caiden was at a loss for words as he just heard Lisa giggle softly, thinking the whole thing funny.

"Inform them that I am not seeking a wife or mate." A tone of dry bitterness accompanied the shout, along with an angry look. "Coming here is a waste of time for them."

But Nate really didn't know how to handle the issue, so he stayed still.

"Nate, what are you waiting for?" The voice was agitated and came out loud.

"Caiden, you have to relax now." Lisa stepped in. "By the way, the alpha of a pack shouldn't be alone. A Luna is necessary for the pack."

"And why would I want to remarry?" He conveyed to Lisa that the topic truly infuriated him by looking directly into her eyes. "Mother, I don't know these people. I would never get engaged with someone I don't know well after what happened with Jessie."

However, Nate and Lisa knew what Caiden meant. He was solely interested in Kamara. She was the only woman he wanted. If Kamara wasn't the right match for Caiden, there was no need in trying to find someone else. Just as Nate was going to follow the Alpha's instructions, a hunter announced that Alpha Stourin was ready for Caiden to see.

"Why is Alpha Stourin in this place?" A concern flowed through his body. "I think he was offended that I put Louis in jail and then came to ask for his rights."

Nate retorted, "I think that's not why he's here."

Without hesitation, he responded, "Then send him in."

A young woman, one of the most gorgeous girls Caiden had ever seen, was smiling at Stourin's entrance. In the light of the day, her beautiful red hair shimmered. Caiden thought she had a great smile, which created two dimples on her cheeks, and her clear gray eyes.

"It's good to see you again, Alpha Caiden," he said, although Caiden was aware that his clothes were inappropriate for such a distinguished guest.

When the young woman's eyes landed on his exposed chest, Caiden understood what was going on.

"Alpha Stourin, what has brought you here?" He forced himself to swallow, trying not to seem uncomfortable and treat the guests with respect.

"Merely an official visit." He looked at the girl and murmured something. "By a strange turn of events, we discovered that the alpha of the Moon Howlers pack was seeking a mate. This is my daughter Shirley."

Caiden gave him a perplexed glance.

"Who told such a lie?"

Everyone was taken aback by his statement, including the awkward Shirley.

He stammered, trying to remedy his own impoliteness, "I am single, yes, but I am not looking for a mate."

Stourin persisted, "You know it's not advisable for us alphas to be alone, most especially a young one like you," and Caiden had no idea how to get out of this situation. "It would benefit us both if our packs came together to form a union between the Moon Howlers and the Mystic Moon pack."

The proposition would have thrilled Caiden, had his heart not been overly filled. Although Caiden thought he didn't want it, joining the Mystic Moon pack was an amazing opportunity that would give the Moon Howlers pack wealth and power. He wished to avoid being forced to wed someone he did not love.

Shirley's cheeks flushed, and Stourin said, "Say hello to the alpha, Shirley. I sincerely hope you will give this some thought."

There was not enough time for Caiden to avoid it; Shirley came up to embrace him. His gaze centered on the room's main door and he noticed Kamara, who was watching the entire incident with tears in her eyes. She hardly lingered there for a minute before quickly whirling around on her heels and left, leaving Caiden shocked and broken.

"Kamara," he nervously called her name. "Please pardon me, Alpha Stourin, but I do not intend to marry anyone with whom I am not in love."

He gave them one last glance and hurried out of the room. He had to get to know Kamara better. Furthermore, he would not allow her to leave his arms ever again. She belonged by his side.