Beastly

Chapter 51

"He should be here soon." Ava said, glancing at the clock above the door

"How wonderful." She turned abruptly as she heard his childish voice and scowled at Marcus "What?"

"You know you can't look like that! Change back." she scolded, annoyed at the boyish grin that

stretched across his face "Please Marcus. This meeting is going to steer how the rest of the things

around us will pan out."

Seeing the serious expression on her face, he reverted to his normal size but continued to grin at her.

The sun was setting outside and the reflection of the rays bounced off her face radiantly. There was no

way she could hide that she was worried about how everything would go. The unruly Alpha was the

only thing that was the only person that would be able to move her training forward and the quicker she

started, the more effective it would be on the day of battle.

Battle huh? It had been a very long time since he had thought about it. Now, it was coming and he

knew there wasn't much time to get ready. Getting Xander's cooperation was at the top of his list.

The door was suddenly pulled open and his imposing scent filled the room. Ava turned to the door and

watched Xander stride in, the power oozing off of him more than usual. If she could guess, it was

probably because he was trying to intimidate Marcus, but from the smile on her brother's face, she

could tell that he wasn't moved. Then again, she couldn't be too sure because although Marcus was

kind and honest, she didn't doubt that his life experiences had equipped him with the ability to

manipulate people and hide some things he actually felt.

Unexpectedly, Xander walked over to where she stood and it wasn't until he was in her personal bubble

that she thought of backing away, but there was already limited space behind. It took her as a surprise

and knocked the air out of her when he hugged her. His arms circled her and his head buried itself into

the crook of her neck as she stayed still. Her eyes met Cole and Sterling who waved at her as they

came into the room as well.

"Although I respect that my sister is your mate Alpha Xander, I'm not totally comfortable with PDA."

Marcus stated, watching them with narrowed eyes, but Ava could tell that he was amused from the

tone of his voice. That was exactly how Freddie would have reacted. Donovan would have been much

more violent about it

She resisted the urge to giggle at the memory of her adoptive brothers. It would be wonderful for them

to meet Marcus. Heck, she wanted to see them too, but she wondered if the Alpha wrapped around her

would be open to the idea.

Xander stood at his full height and looked down at her. "And I wonder how that's supposed to be my

business, outsider? Understand that the only reason I'm not going to cut you down where you stand is

because of her."

It was a scary thing when Xander allowed his aura out. Everything was determined by how he was

feeling and if it got too heated, chaos would ensue. Ava felt it in her bones that this meeting would have

to go smoothly as planned or else.

Xander on the other hand, contemplating, took in the look of his mate as he hadn't seen her since

yesterday. Work had been very hectic and there was no way he could make it home last night and by

the time he had gotten home that morning, she was already gone. Her scent was like a warm glove,

calming him down. He had missed her and the way her eyes were looking up at him now, with so many

feelings swimming in them that he never wanted to pull away. This meeting would have to be over and

done with quickly so he could start preparing for their date tonight. Turning to face Marcus, he eyed him

from head to toe.

"Shall we get started?"

The atmosphere was surprisingly not filled with tension, but anyone watching would be able to realise

that Marcus and Xander were sizing each other up properly. Ava knew how it looked when men did

that. Marcus was now fully recovered, despite the serious injury and he wasn't cowering in Xander's

presence. They sat together, at various places in the hospital room and once she sensed that Xander

would try to drag her to sit with him, she swiftly moved to sit next to Cole.

"Why are you here?" Xander asked, ignoring the sharp ache in his chest at Ava's move. Instead, he

directed his attention to the man before him

"I came back for my sister, Alpha. I'm sure she's told you that much." Marcus answered, smiling

"You're an interesting person Marcus."

"If this flattery is a way to get on my good side so I can give you and Ava my blessings, it's not going to

work." Xander leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees

"Bullshit. I've been hesitant about you from the moment you stepped foot into this fucking pack and

there's no way you can take me for a fool." His eyes darkened slightly and the air began to chill "I'd

appreciate it if you'd go straight to the point and just talk."

Marcus' eyes stayed levelled as he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest "As expected of

the strongest Alpha in North America."

"Does she know?" Looking at Ava, there was no indication of surprise on her face and she sighed as

she folded her arms too

"Yes, I suspected. I just didn't want to say anything until I was very sure." she answered. Xander had to

hand it to her. She was able to sense something that only a selected number of Alphas could sense.

"What exactly is this thing?" Cole asked, his face full of curiosity

"It's-" Ava began

"No." Xander interrupted, fixing his hard gaze on Marcus "I want him to explain it to everyone here."