Alpha Calix went in front to give a brief speech. He said it was the councilors’ idea to give him a homecoming party and although he didn’t like parties that much, he agreed because it was an opportunity for him to meet the district’s people as the new alpha.
“And since everyone important is gathered here tonight, at the end of this evening, I will announce the five ladies I selected who are eligible to be my luna,” he added in his speech which made most ladies gasp in anticipation.
“These five ladies will come to live in my mansion for a month. I will observe each of them for me to know who is the best candidate among them. The parents shouldn’t worry though. I will ensure these ladies will be treated as the princesses that they are, and I will sign an agreement to promise not to sully these ladies’ honor.”
“Who cares if the Alpha sullies my honor? I would gladly offer myself to him if I’d be chosen!”
I heard giggles behind me and I wasn’t surprised how these girls could throw themselves to the Alpha without hesitation. He was the ruler of the whole district after all. He could keep mistresses if he wanted since there were no laws stating the Alpha should only have one woman. Being a powerful man’s woman was a key to many privileges, but if it meant being a toy that could be disposed anytime, I’d rather step back and give the spot to the willing.
After Alpha Calix delivered his welcome speech, the party had officially started. Food and more drinks were served. Musicians played music to liven up the place while some enjoyed the dance floor with their partners.
I stood there with ladies my age who seemed to be more interested in art than men. My disposition was still not good but if Dad would see me at the corner like a wallflower standing alone without socializing with the people around, I’d definitely receive a handful of scolding.
“Benedict Davis, a famous artist from Rampshire will hold an art exhibit next month. I’m a big fan of his, it got me so excited,” Anna said giddily.
“Really? I’ve also seen some of his works…”
As I listened to the group, my eyes wandered around. Dad was in a group of important people with the Alpha at the center. I’d like to have some fresh air outside. He wouldn’t notice my disappearance for a few minutes, wouldn’t he?
“I’ll go to the bathroom,” I said before withdrawing from the group.
I was about to discreetly leave the main hall when a chest blocked my view. Thankfully I managed to stop before I’d bump into the man who suddenly blocked my way.
“Nice to meet you again, Miss Loraine.”
I looked up and met Michael Gibbs’ gaze. He was towering over me with a boyish smile on his face. He wore a dark blue suit and had his blonde hair brushed back.
“Didn’t we agree to be casual to each other?” For the first time that night, I managed to smile without forcing myself. The man’s light demeanor was really comforting.
“Well, I thought you had forgotten me,” he joked.
“How could I? You are my sister’s tutor.”
He shrugged and lent me his hand, “Would you mind if I ask you to dance? This night is quite boring just like I expected. But you caught my interest. Let’s entertain ourselves, shall we?”
I shook my head gently, smiling. “I’m not a good dancer, Michael. You should ask someone else.”
“You’re not a good liar, Loraine. Your father is a beta, I’m sure you were trained to be a social flower who attended a dance class.”
He guessed it right. Growing up, Dad made sure I excelled in all fields a fine lady was expected to be good at.
“One dance, then.”
Dad didn’t mind me dancing with fine men like Michael at social events like this but he didn’t want me getting close to any man without his permission. It was also one of the reasons why I didn’t have the chance to build deep connections with the elite guys I knew.
“You’re now the head of the district’s research team, I heard. You must really be a good scientist,” I said as Michael and I danced. We caught some people’s attention but it didn’t bother me. People, especially single ladies, tended to be curious about a fine bachelor like Michael.
“You already have a big responsibility on your shoulders, why do you still work as my sister’s tutor?”
“Beta Henry personally asked me to teach your sister. I couldn’t refuse. Besides, I don’t teach Roselle every day and each session only lasts for an hour or two. It doesn’t affect my job, don’t worry.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that.”
In the middle of the dance, I caught a glimpse of where the Alpha was. It surprised me that he was looking in my direction.
It felt like he was looking at me.
Or I could be wrong.
It worried me though. What if he’d mention to my father that he saw me in the market the other day? Worst, what if he’d mention the state I was in? I literally couldn’t stop my tears that day. If he recognized me earlier, for sure he wondered why a beta’s daughter was walking in the downtown’s market alone and with tears all over her face.
After my dance with Michael, I excused myself and left the crowd. I went out to breathe some air and to think of an alibi if ever the Alpha mentioned seeing me the other day to my father.
I couldn’t let Dad know about Jacob. Especially not now when we had separated ways. Dad would ruin him if he’d know. I couldn’t allow that to happen.
“Did you find the party so boring that you chose to stay here?” After a few minutes of standing in the garden looking out of nowhere, someone from behind suddenly spoke which startled me.
When I turned around, my lips fell apart.
“A-Alpha!” I immediately bowed my head and carelessly stepped back, making one of my heels roll over a stone. I lost my balance and if not for the strong arm that held my waist, I would have fallen to the roses with sharp thorns.
“Look how careless you are,” he said silently with his face only an inch from mine while he held me.
“I-I’m sorry, Alpha…” I said and quickly moved away from him. This time I made sure I wouldn’t land in roses full of thorns if ever I tripped while backing away.
He put his hands on his pockets and remained standing in front of me. I thought he was talking with my father and other elders? Why was he suddenly with me here alone in the garden?
“Are you not enjoying my party?” he asked.
“I enjoy it, Alpha. I just went out for a moment to breathe fresh air,” I reasoned out. “Please forgive me for my clumsiness.”
“You are Loraine Sullivan, Beta Henry’s daughter, am I right?”
“Yes,” I answered without wondering why he knew me. He must have heard things about me from Dad and read my profile submitted in his office among the profiles of other ladies who wanted to be his wife.
“We also bumped into each other the other day, do you remember?”
I became nervous when he mentioned it. But since we were on the topic, I might as well ask him to not mention it to anyone else. It would be reckless to ask the Alpha a favor, but I had to try for the sake of Jacob.
“I do. I was in a hurry that day because I wasn’t feeling well. I apologize for not recognizing you as I haven’t seen you before,” I spoke in a gentle manner even when my heart was hammering my chest.
His brow shot up in a provocative manner, “You seemed to be in deep trouble that day. Did someone bully you?”
“I…” My mouth remained half opened, couldn’t find the right words to say.
Alpha Calix advanced a step, making me step back once. When he saw my reaction, he stopped. His dark gaze made me shiver. He seemed to be displeased with me backing away.
“You’re like a scared kitten, do you know that, Miss Loraine?” His tone was gentle, yet I sensed hostility in the way he looked at me. “Tell me, do I look like a monster who will gobble you up?”
I looked down. “N-no, Alpha…”
He only stared at me with critical eyes. When he didn’t say anything, I answered his first question so I could go back inside.
“I was in the market that day to talk to a friend… something happened but I wasn’t harmed in any way. If it won’t cost you so much, please don’t mention it to my father. I don’t want him to worry about it.”
“For someone who’s scared of me, you are a little brazen to ask me a favor,” he smiled but I wasn’t sure if that was a yes or no.
“Sure, I’ll keep that small secret of yours,” he said which only gave me a momentary relief because after saying his next words, I froze.
“In return, you need to be a very good girl while you live in my mansion.”
Alpha Calix smirked darkly at my shocked face. “Yes, Loraine. You’re one of the selected ladies eligible to be my wife.”
When I went back inside, I was still dumbfounded. I wanted to think that whatever I heard back in the garden wasn’t true but who am I kidding?Why did fate seem to be playing with me?When the most anticipated time arrived, I stood there frozen among the crowd, my toes were curling on my shoes. If I was just any girl, it would have been a privilege. I would feel blessed for receiving the Alpha’s attention and making my father proud, but that wasn’t the case.All my life I felt like I was chained. Dad honed me to be the person he wanted me to be. His principles were unbreakable rules. The world he gave me felt like a cage and all I ever wanted was to break free. I was under his control all my life, and now am I going to be controlled by another man?“I know most of you are waiting for this,” said Alpha Calix with a smirk on his face. After looking around, his eyes found mine once again.An unfamiliar shiver ran through my spine.“Now I’m going to announce the five ladies who will be su
The butler of the Alpha’s mansion, Mr. Judson, was waiting for me at the gates when my family car arrived. The middle-aged man was with some maids to assist me. “Welcome, Miss Loraine. Let us help you with your things.” “Have the others arrived?” I asked. “Yes, they are at the dining hall with Alpha Calix. They are all waiting for you.” I nodded and followed the butler. The maids took care of my belongings. I didn’t want to bring more than necessary but Dad insisted on bringing more than what I would need in my one month stay here. I guessed he was expecting I’d be chosen to be the Alpha’s wife and there was no need to come back home. “Alpha has arranged everything for all the ladies. Your rooms are ready and I will let you see them later,” said Mr. Judson. When we arrived at the dining hall, I realized what the butler said was really true. Everyone was already present at the table. Alpha Calix was sitting at the head of the table, on his right were Genevieve and Lea, while on h
“How was your sleep? If there is anything you don’t like about your rooms, just tell Judson. He will make the necessary arrangements,” said Alpha Calix during the next day’s breakfast. Our places on the table were still the same. Genevieve and Marianne had the seats nearest to the Alpha while I took the farthest among the five ladies. Last night, I thought about what Roselle said to me when I left our mansion. She said something like turning off the alpha so he wouldn’t choose me. It actually made sense. If I would just mind my own business and wouldn’t try hard on pleasing Alpha Calix like what everyone else was doing, then probably he wouldn’t see me as a wife prospect. I should also try doing the opposite of what he was expecting from us. The quicker he’d get turned off, the quicker I could leave. “Loraine.” When Evelyn, who was sitting beside me, kicked my foot under the table, it was only then I realized that Alpha had been calling my name and I wasn’t paying attention. I lift
Even when I was already in the car with the girls, I still could feel my cheeks burning hot. I knew Alpha Calix was flirty but I didn’t know he was shameless! How could he say words as scandalous as that? I really wasn’t wrong when I thought the agreement he signed about not sullying the ladies’ honor was an empty promise. He was good looking and powerful, I got that, but did he expect every woman would be pleased with his advances and bite his trap mindlessly? “Your cheeks are flaring, Loraine. Not feeling well?” Evelyn asked which made Genevieve’s head turn to me. We were inside one van while Alpha Calix had his own car. “You should have told Alpha that you’re not feeling well, dear Loraine. You don’t have to try so hard even when you can’t make it,” Genevieve’s tone indicated concern, opposite to what she was implying. “I’m alright, Genevieve. Thanks for the concern. I’m just feeling a little feverish due to the cold weather. I can manage just fine.” I really didn’t understand
“Are you heading back to the mansion now?” Michael asked after the match. Even when it was the first time he joined Clayburrow’s equestrian match, Alpha Calix aced the game. There were a fair number of participants who knew well what they were doing, but Alpha seemed to be a little more aggressive than the others. The way he moved with his horse, it felt like he wanted to burn the whole arena. Thinking about how he looked at me before the match started made me feel a hollow in my stomach. If it was really me he was looking at, did I get him annoyed? But I only changed seats. Did he say something like the girls should stick together at times like this? I couldn’t remember. “Loraine?” Michael called when I didn’t answer his question. I offered him an apologetic smile. “Sorry. Yes, I think so.” “We should go to our favorite café, Lory! Mr. Michael can go with us too!” Rose butted in. “I’m sure the Alpha doesn’t forbid you going out?” I shook my head. “Then that’s great! What do you
Alpha Calix went out of the car first by the time we arrived at the mansion. What he said caught me at a loss for words. My palms were covered with cold sweat as I tried to come up with something, but the words wouldn’t roll out of my tongue. Perhaps why I couldn’t argue about it because deep down, I knew it was true. I felt safe around Michael and being with Alpha Calix was a whole different thing. Alpha had already made it to the mansion’s door with his long strides while I was still halfway through it. As if my body hadn’t gone cold enough due to the anxiety I went through, the rain suddenly poured. I ran to the mansion but I still got drenched. Water was dripping from my dress to the floor as I hugged myself to ease the cold. “Get her a towel.” I looked around and saw Alpha near the stairs, watching me with the same dark eyes. I jumped a bit when a loud thunder came. The maid who was asked to get a towel hurried. She was about to give it to me but Alpha grabbed it from her han
I’m not sure if the man meant luck or misery, but at that point I only know one thing. I can use Alpha Calix to free myself from my father's grip. I have no idea what he’s planning to do with me but I’m ready for the worst. If he will have me as his whore or his slave, then so be it. Staying pure doesn’t matter now. Staying alive does. I need to live no matter what the odds are because that’s the only way I can go back to my sister. “You are one lucky lass. You became Alpha's favorite,” said the woman who is dressing me up. I don’t have the energy to move so I just let her do what she wants. I stared at the mirror mindlessly, and didn't have the time to care how I looked or what dress I was wearing. The bruises in my arms I got from running in the forest were covered with long sleeves of my knee-length dress. The other girls were dressed with short sleeves, I was the only exception and I guess it was because I’d looked horrible with my bruises. My pale lips were also now painted wit
I’ve always felt the weird demeanor Benedict has all those years of him acting loyal to my father. He’s handsome, quiet, I think the quietest man I’ve ever met, he’s most of the time serious, and he never looked at any girl in our pack. He was either training the men or handling the pack’s affairs. I didn’t have casual conversations with him even though he was often invited to our house for dinners and parties. I’d always seen him in the town, and back when I was still studying, we went to the same school. I didn’t give him much attention then, but I knew he was good at academics. Well, he’s good at everything he does if my memory serves me right. Although his beta father died early, with his contributions, everyone believed that he was the only man worthy of my hand. They said we were perfect for each other. I couldn’t disagree more. I had never pictured myself marrying Benedict Allen. I could stomach Tyler, his geek cousin who couldn’t even throw a punch, but not him. Even though