Page 54 of Forced Alpha Bride
She picks up a little jeweled purse, and I follow her down the steps and out to the car. My nerves are starting to bubble again, not so much from mingling with all the alphas and elders, but the fact that I have to do it in a suit.
I’d rather be up on the mountain peak in my wolf shape, talking to the alphas in the wind and the driving snow. That’s where we belong.
I know a lot of first families would disagree with that, though. Our entire history is full of people who attained and grew their privilege simply so they could rule others.
That’s exactly why I’m here—to heal this imbalance. I have to remember that. I walk like them and talk like them, but I’ll never be one of them.
As I park in front of the manor, I look over at Winnie. She looks composed, serene, and incredibly beautiful.
If I’ll never be one of them, then does that mean I’ll never truly be her partner?
The idea makes me sad, so I push it away and get out of the car. The drive is full of fancy vehicles. Through the main gates, I can see a flow of people and hear a band playing.
“Alpha Damon,” one of the attendants greets me, bowing his head. He opens the door for Winnie, and she thanks him graciously, holding out her arm to me. I grab her hand, and she shakes her head.
“No, not like that,” she says. “Here—put your arm like this. Elbow there. Now, I gently hold your forearm. You have to be conscious of how you walk and hold yourself so you’re making space for me and supporting me. It has to look fluid, not like you’re dragging me around.”
“Great,” I mutter. “I’m getting lessons on how to walk.”
“No,” she counters. “Just in how to present yourself with a partner. I’ll give you lessons on how to walk another time.”
I bite back my barbed reply, taking slow, short steps as we walk towards the main gates. The drive and courtyard are paved with rough cobbles, and Winnie has to be very careful in her heels, clinging to my arm for balance but looking smooth and effortless at the same time.
“Alpha Damon,” Regina greets, turning around to face me as I approach the elders. “I see you have presented yourself well this evening.”
“Lovely of you to notice, Regina,” Winnie says, smiling at her and giving a slight curtsy. “You do us honor.”
My fake smile stretches out into a real one. I’m pretty sure Winnie is sassing her, but using a tone that Regina couldn’t possibly argue with.
“It is you who honors us by graciously accepting to be our luna,” Regina answers smoothly. “I assume that your duties in that department are being… fulfilled.”
I see Winnie’s cheeks color, just slightly. In that moment, I could have happily torn Regina’s throat out.
That bitch has no class, and if a gutter rat like me can see it, then it’s surely obvious to the entire Range.
“Thank you for your support and your concern,” I say. “But we must move on to greet the other alphas. Enjoy your evening, Regina.”
“Oh, I will,” she says, her smile sharp and wide. There is a cruel glitter in her eye that is more malicious than the glares of most thieves and murderers I’ve known.
What a fucking farce. Putting on nice clothes and a ton of jewels to pretend to be nice while actually acting like jerks.We should have a fighting ring and be done with all this formal shit!
“Thank you,” Winnie whispers. “She tried to rattle me, and I’m ashamed that it worked.”
“Don’t worry,” I mutter. “I can handle her.”
I’m not sure I actually can, especially at an event like this. But I’ll do anything to protect Winnie.
“Alpha Kit,” Winnie says, pausing to curtsy. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do, so I just awkwardly hold my arm out for her to balance on.
“Winnie.” Kit does a little bow. “And Alpha Damon. Thank you for inviting us.”
“Our absolute pleasure,” Winnie replies. “How is the new trade line between the Key and Cyan Lock?”
The two of them begin a conversation I can’t even begin to follow, so I stand there awkwardly until a curvy woman in a flowing green dress comes up to stand beside us.
“Hey,” she says to me. “I’m Lexa, Kit’s luna.”
“Oh,” I answer, starting to sweat. “I’m… ah, shit. Fuck! I’m so bad at this.”
