Chapter 368

Judy’s POV

The landing gear thudded against the runway, jolting me out of half-sleep. Pale light poured through the oval windows, welcoming a new day for France. We had flown all day to reach our destination, and I was beyond exhausted and jetlagged.

Gavin kissed my temple before he stood, offering his hand to help me up. I took it without hesitation and allowed him to pull me off the plane with the others. When we stepped off the plane, the air was cooler, crisper, carrying a faint scent of rain and pine. The mountains that edged the horizon looked like they’d been carved from mist and memory.

A sleek black SUV waited on the tarmac. Standing beside it was a tall man in a tailored gray coat, his dark hair perfectly swept back, his stance radiating the kind of confidence that came from being second-in-command. I already knew who he was because I recognized his appearance from the Gamma competitions. He wasn’t there the entire time, but he appeared occasionally beside Alpha Jeremy, and even then, his confidence was evident.

“Monsieur Alpha Landry. Luna Landry,” he said, nodding at both Gavin and me. I didn’t bother correcting him, and I was pleased to see that neither did Gavin. I wasn’t a Luna yet, but I suppose that didn’t matter because I would be as soon as we did the ceremony. “I am Raul Delcour, Beta of the Blood Thorne Pack.”

Raul’s voice was smooth with a French accent that wrapped around every word. We were truly in France, and I was giddy with excitement.

Gavin offered his hand, shaking Raul’s firmly.

“We appreciate the welcome, Beta.”

Raul stepped back to look at our group as a whole; his eyes assessing as if he was thinking about something.

“We have set you up in our most luxurious hotels. However, there has been a slight delay, so Alpha Jeremy asks that I take you straight to the packhouse,” Raul said, his eyes finding Gavin’s again.

“Of course,” Gavin said, nodding his head.

The gammas that came along with us loaded the SUV with our belongings before they went over to speak with Erik. After a few moments, they parted ways. They went into another car with a few of the French gammas while Erik accompanied us.

Once we were all piled into the SUV, Raul drove us to the packhouse. The drive took less than 30 minutes, winding through narrow roads flanked by thick woods and stone fences draped in ivy. It felt centuries away from Silver Crescent's modern sprawl—this was old land, sacred and guarded.

When the gates came into view, I inhaled sharply. The Blood Thorne Packhouse was more a chateau than a residence, sprawling across the hillside like a sleeping beast. Gray stone walls climbed towards ornate towers, every window glowing amber against the overcast sky.

As the car rolled to a stop, a few wolves in dark uniforms bowed respectfully. Their movements were precise, almost rehearsed, the kind of discipline you only saw in packs where tradition ruled everything.

Raul led up the steps.

“Please, this way.”

Inside, the air smelled faintly of oak, firewood, and something older…. Incident magic, maybe? Chandeliers hung low, their crystals scattering light across portraits of past Alphas.

Gavin placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me through the packhouse behind Raul. The others trailed behind us, all looking at different things as we walked. The grand doors at the end of the corridor opened before we reached them. A tall man stood waiting inside. Alpha Jeremy himself.

His presence filled the room like a storm contained in fine clothing. Sharp blue eyes, silver-threaded hair, and the kind of charm that could make anyone forget to breathe.

“Alpha Landry,” Jeremy greeted, smiling widely, taking his hand and clapping him on the back in one of those hugs that guys do. “It’s good to see you.”

“You as well. I have to be honest, I was a bit surprised when I received your invitation. I didn’t think you’d ever invite outsiders to your territory.”

“Times are changing, and I figured after all you’ve been through with Levi, you deserved to have a little fun. What better way to have fun than at my masquerade?”

“I can’t argue with that,” Gavin said with a laugh. “I’m sure you remember my mate, Judy?”

Jeremy’s eyes flickered to me, and he bowed his head as he took hold of my hand and brought it to his lips.

“How could I forget the champion of the Gamma competition?” he said, placing a gentle kiss on my knuckles before releasing my hand. Gavin immediately grabbed my hand and subtly wiped the moisture from Jermey’s lips with his thumb. I knew he was fighting back a scowl, and I bit my lower lip to keep from grinning at him.

“And I suppose this is the rest of your lovely family?” Jeremy asked, peeking around us to look at the others.

Gavin stepped aside.

“This is my daughter, Irene, and son Matthew,” Gavin introduced. “This is my Beta, Taylor, and his mate, Eliza. She’s also our pack doctor.”

“Oh yes, I know Eliza. She’s helped out at this pack more times than I could count,” Jeremy said, nodding at Eliza, who looked a bit sheepish at the compliment.

“It’s good to see you again,” Eliza said, nodding at him. “And I was just doing my job.”

“You do it superbly,” Jeremy replied.

“That she does,” Gavin agreed. “And these are our friends Nan and Chester; they are mates. I suppose they are pretty much part of the family.”

“Sister by choice,” I added, smiling at Nan, who smiled back at me.

“And then one of my gammas, Erik,” Gavin said, motioning for Erik, who gave Jeremy a slight nod.

“Well, it’s a pleasure to officially meet all of you,” Jeremy said, nodding at each of them. “I hope you enjoy your stay in my territory and don’t hesitate to come to me if you need anything. The masquerade will be tomorrow evening, and I’m looking forward to seeing you there. My mate, Cecelia, is busy at the moment, but she’s looking forward to meeting you. You should come back later this evening for dinner and meet her.”

“Yeah, that sounds great,” Gavin said.

“I’m sure you’re all exhausted from your travels,” Jeremy said before turning to Raul. “Be sure that their rooms are ready and help them get settled.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Raul said without hesitation.

We said goodbye to Jeremy, and we headed back outside and into the SUV. I glanced at Irene, who was fiddling with her fingers and nibbling on her lower lip. I knew she was nervous; this wasn’t just a trip for her… we were here to find out the truth about Chuck. I told Gavin the entire truth on the plane, and though he wasn’t happy about being part of this scheme, he wasn’t as upset as I thought he would be. He was more upset over the fact that Chuck might be playing his daughter for a fool.

“Any sign of him yet?” I asked Irene, drawing her attention to me. She shook her head, her eyes fixed out the window. I reached over and grabbed hold of her hand. “It’s going to be okay. No matter what happens, we are here.”

She glanced at me, letting out a breath, before she nodded. I didn’t push her to speak; we remained silent for the rest of the ride until we reached one of the biggest buildings I had ever seen. It looked more like a manor than a resort—white stone wall climbing with ivy, wrought-iron balconies lined with lanterns, and arched windows that glowed like honey in the fading light.

“Welcome to your temporary home,” Raul said as he stepped out of the car, opening the back door for us to get out.

The doors to the hotel swung open, and bellhops rushed out to collect our luggage, and within minutes, we were swept into the marble lobby. Everything gleamed—polished floors, soft candlelight, a chandelier that looked like it had been stolen from a royal ballroom. I couldn’t help but feel underdressed standing there in travel clothes while tourists and pack members in elegant coats passed by.

Raul walked us towards the front desk, where a pretty brunette stood, a smile lighting up her face. She was young, maybe around my age, with warm brown eyes and rosy cheeks.

Her name tag read: Clarissa.

Raul greeted us in her French and he checked us into our rooms, switching between French and English effortlessly. Clarissa spoke pretty good English as well and greeted us all as she handed us each a room key. When she handed one to Irene, Irene completely froze, her eyes wide.

Clarissa frowned, cocking her head to the side, clearly confused by Irene's sudden reaction to her.

“Irene?” I asked, nudging her towards the key.

Irene blinked a few times, snapping herself out of her stupor as she grabbed the key, forcing a smile at Clarissa and then turning away.

That was strange.

Gavin, Taylor, and Raul talked for a few minutes off to the side, probably going over things with Raul before he left. I went over to Irene, who was staring out the window, trying to avoid Clarissa, it seemed.

“Irene, what happened? What’s wrong?” I asked.

She started at the sound of my voice, but when her eyes met mine, I saw the tears in them.

“She’s carrying his scent…” she whispered. “She smells like my mate…”