Page 4 of Alpha's Revenge Luna
Once again, his name floods my mind, and my thoughts travel back to the servants in the kitchen.
Now, I wish I didn’t eavesdrop because I can’t shake off my uneasiness.What if something goes wrong?What if Alpha Dion shows up?I push those thoughts aside and focus on the ceremony ahead.But deep down, I feel this year’s event will somehow be different.
The limo waits out in front of the pack house.Dad opens the back door and slides across the seat.Man, I hope no one picks a fight with him.By the strong smell of whiskey emanating from him, he is already half drunk and itching for a fight.
The tension is almost a living entity in the confined space of the car, tightening its noose around my neck.My pulse races with anxiety and fear, pounding in my ears.
Dad stares straight ahead, sipping his glass of whiskey, looking murderously angry.Even Mom glances at his odd behavior, her face contorted in worry.She is usually non-stop chatter-mode.Not tonight, though.I know something is bothering Dad, but I don’t know how to ask.
A quick, stolen glance at my parents sitting across from me is all I need to confirm what I’ve been feeling.Their faces, illuminated in the harsh, unforgiving moonlight, are etched with worry.My father’s hands, usually so steady and calm, grip my mother’s knee with a force that turns his knuckles white.His eyes meet mine, silently conveying what words can’t—he’s just as scared as I am.What does he know that I don’t?
In the seat next to him, my mother stares out of the window, her gaze unseeing, lost in thoughts she’ll never share.
When we finally arrive, we find the celebrations have started without us.The music is loud, the laughter contagious.Everyone laughing and talking animatedly, Meanwhile, dread pools in my belly about having to go into the ball.The she-wolves are wearing beautiful gowns adorned with flowers and jewels from their hair, down to their feet.They twirl and laugh excitedly as they enter the hall, their faces radiating the joy I don’t feel.
Dad pauses momentarily and peers around at his pack, his gaze darkens, and he frowns like something is bothering him.
“Both of you are to remain by my side, and neither of you is to leave your guard or seats unless I say so,” he growls without looking at us.I glance at Mom, confused.I know he hates these events, but this behavior toward us is odd.
“Is everything okay, dear?”Mom asks him.
“Just do as I say,” Dad says, gazing down at her.He drains the last dregs of his glass before setting it down.Mom looks away, fiddling with her fingers.Her anxiousness makes me even more nervous.
As we pull into the parking lot, Dad tells the driver to keep going, so instead, the limo pulls around the side of the massive building where the other Alphas are parked.Dad tugs on his tie as if it is strangling him, and I reach out to grip his hand.Myfather jerks away from my touch before his eyes soften, and he swallows.
“Dad?”I murmur, suddenly unsure.
“It’ll be fine, Emery.He won’t show up here,” Dad says, glancing out the window.I glance at Mom, but she seems just as confused.
“Michael?Who are you talking about?”Mom whispers as the limo cuts off.
“Just stay close,” are the only words he offers when the driver opens the door.We follow Dad inside, and he moves farthest to the back of the hall.
Every mating ceremony is supposedly a “magical and beautiful” event.Wolves from all around the area gather to take part in the festivities.On this particular night, wolves will meet and dance with potential mates.
The excitement is palpable as each wolf hopes to find a mate.During the ceremony, the Alphas get the first pick.They will pick who they want, whether or not that she-wolf wishes to be their mate.
Watching them dance, I sit at the table, and my father stares at the stage vacantly.Guards surround the table the moment we sit, making my nerves increase.
The guards’ presence isn’t particularly odd.Guards usually follow me everywhere unless I am at home.
I know Dad has some shady dealings going on.He may think he hides it from my little brother and me, but I’m not blind.I know deep down he’s a good man.He is a great father to us, but as a person, I definitely wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of him.So, I find this display a little odd.If it was just one guard, no.But multiple of them surround me to the point I struggle to see around them.I find it strange.
I peer around.The place is barely recognizable from the hall I’m used to.
Fairy lights glimmer from the ceiling, crystal vases are placed on white-clothed tables, and the place is bustling with people.Women chat among themselves excitedly while men eyethem.My father only glares toward the stage where Alphas line up, ready to take their pick.
When the ceremony starts and the doors close, locking everyone in, I see my father lean over the table toward his Beta.
“He didn’t show, Alpha.She is safe,” I barely catch Beta Tyson telling him, and my brows pinch together.My stomach lurches, and I stare at my father, who visibly relaxes and exhales loudly as he sits back in his chair.After another twenty minutes, Dad accepts a drink.The change in his demeanor helps me relax, too.
The ceremony starts, and the atmosphere in the hall is alive.The sweet scent of pheromones hangs heavy in the air.The decorations, music, and laughter all feel like some bizarre dream.One I desperately wish I wasn’t a part of.
Staring around, I spot the excited and hopeful faces of the young women.Their nervous energy is palpable, but they’re also filled with the hope of finding a mate.They believe in the fairy tales and happily-ever-after that this ceremony promises.For me, this ball isnothing more than a showcase.
My gaze shifts to the other side of the hall where the Alphas are.Some of them are smiling, chatting among themselves, while others are eyeing the women with predatory stares.The sight sends a shiver down my spine.Their gazes are like a tangible touch, a violation I can’t shake off.
I focus my attention back on our table—on my father.He hasn’t moved, staring off into the distance with a faraway look in his eyes.His hands, usually steady and sure, are shaking ever so slightly around his now-empty glass.The sight is unnerving.I’ve never seen my father like this.His uncertainty and tension are contagious, and I can’t help the way they feed my fears.
