Dawn was about to argue how Owen marking Zina came at a super-wrong time and it could cause so many issues, but she was unable to disagree with George. Owen showing his intention of being with Zina was a good thing, but… "What if things go wrong during the event tonight?" And there were so many other things to think about.
Dawn was always carefree and playful, yet now she felt like an adult in the room.
George didn't think it was a big deal. "For better or for worse, mates stay together." George turned to Dawn and caressed her cheek with the tips of his fingers while saying, "Even if I knew that staying with you meant I will die tomorrow, I would pick one day with you compared to an eternity without. Aren't you the same?"
Dawn exhaled as her fighting spirit dwindled. She came to the Red Moon pack with George, knowing the risks and that it will be hard. And she didn't regret a single minute of it.
"I'm sorry Zi," Dawn said. "I hope you know that I am only worried about you. I love that you found your mate and that things are going well."
"Thanks," Zina responded while leaning on Owen. It meant the world to her to know that Dawn gave up and was officially onboard.
"Does their marking change our plans for tonight?" Dawn asked George.
"No. Just as Zina said, she will cover up her mark, and you will expose yours." George turned to Owen. "You will need to take care of your mate and mine. Control your wolf and don't get into a fight. I will keep an eye on you and step in if a need arises. Officially, I am single so I can't show up with a date, but I will find a way to join you as the event progresses. If the four of us leave together, we can keep our charade going without disturbing the hornet's nest. Until then, keep your eyes on them, and hands to yourself. I hope that your status is low enough, so you don't attract attention."
Owen made a face. What did that mean by, his status being low enough?
Owen opened his mouth with the intention to bicker, and his eyes bulged in surprise when Zina stuffed a piece of bread in his mouth.
"We will do our best," Zina responded to George.
Owen eyed Zina suspiciously and she spoke to him in a soft voice, "We need to follow their plan. Let's focus on surviving today and tomorrow we can discuss our options for the future."
Owen nodded in slow motion. The thought of a future with Zina calmed his wolf and Owen leaned closer to Zina, feeling needy for her proximity.
As the food on the plate was reducing, Owen's feeding of Zina was slowing down. He didn't want to go.
Zina could sense his emotions and she put her hand on his cheek.
"I will look forward to seeing you for lunch."
Owen pouted. "In the morning I run and do the obstacle course. I will be dirty and sweaty and…"
"It seems you didn't get the news," George interrupted Owen. "You are to report to your new position in fifteen minutes."
Owen was alerted. "New position?"
"Someone pulled strings and you are adjutant."
That would normally be a promotion, but Owen didn't like the timing. Also, it depended on whose adjutant he became. Did he apply for such a position?
"Who is the General I will be working for?" Owen asked reluctantly.
George shook his head. "You won't be working for a General. You are now adjutant to a Commander."
Owen's brows came together in confusion. What nonsense was that? Every Commander had a full staff, except for… "I will be working for you?"
Owen was a Lieutenant under a General who reported to a different Commander. How did George manage to make Owen into his adjutant overnight?
George smirked. "I am your direct superior now, Owen. I expect to see good results."
George had two secretaries, but no adjutants. Those were positions usually given to people of trust and Owen knew that George didn't trust him. "Am I trustworthy enough to be your right hand?"
George shrugged. "I am giving you a chance to prove yourself."
"How?"
"You will find out. Soon." Probably sooner than anyone thought.
Zina didn't think this was a bad thing. "Thank you, George!" She jumped to hug Owen.
Owen returned Zina's hug, but he was not sure if this sudden transfer was a good thing.
Owen and George left George's villa together and Owen was glancing at the building that was getting smaller with every step he took.
"Zina will be fine," George said.
Owen rubbed his chin nervously. "I know. I fear that I won't be fine without her. How do you go through the day, knowing that your mate is there, waiting for you?"
"With difficulty. And no, it doesn't get better in time."
Owen stuffed his hands into his pant pockets and walked with George absentmindedly. So many things happened. How was he supposed to go to those training grounds like everything was normal?
They passed by several figures and Owen realized that those were Omegas. Four females in their early thirties moved to stand on the side of the path and lowered their heads in front of George and Owen. They would do the same for any warrior or a ranked pack member.
Owen didn't pay attention to Omega's behavior before, but now he couldn't ignore it. The idea that his fiery Goddess would submit for no apparent reason was eating him alive.
If Zina left George's villa, she would need to act like that or be punished for disobedience. Will Zina be able to sit inside that villa and wait for him? They were dependent on George and Dawn and even they were in a tricky situation.
Owen looked around to assure no one was nearby to overhear them, and then he asked, "Why are you here, George?"
George was confused. "What do you mean?"
"Considering Dawn's background and your position, I'm sure that Alpha Damon would accept you into his pack. Why are you still here? Don't tell me that you enjoy keeping your mate locked up while you go about your day pretending she doesn't exist."
George's expression stiffened. He didn't like Owen insinuating that he was repressing Dawn, but he understood it would look like that to outsiders.
"I have my reasons," George responded.
Owen looked at him for a long second. "I hope those reasons are worth it."
George was hoping the same.
"What will you do next about your mate?" George asked.
Owen was not sure. "Zina wants me to talk to Alpha Damon. I will do that."
"Don't expect him to solve your problems. You need to stand up for yourself and for your mate."
With that, they reached the training grounds and Owen was following after George and doing small tasks that George assigned to him while counting seconds until lunchtime.
Owen remembered how on the previous day George left early and Owen gave him a hard time. Now that he knew about Dawn, and he had a mate himself, Owen felt like an ass. Will it matter if he apologizes? Probably not.
