Twenty–Five
Alexander’s POV
Luckily, after she left things were not as tense as I expected them to be. In fact, it was almost like the whole thing didn’t even happen. Conversation went smoothly and my dad didn’t seem so pissed after all as he chatted with his former peers, laughing at comments about them wanting to retire soon as well and let their sons take over.
“It’s scary at first, I must say.” I heard him say to one Alpha, “Especially since my son was abroad for a long time. But he has since proved himself capable.” He said before taking a sip of his drink and looking forward like he had not said anything. I had to bite my cheek to keep from grinning while the other Alpha slapped me on the back, chuckling as he praised me.
I had to say, it was refreshing to hear my dad talk about me like that and although it made my mind relax a little since I had been on edge ever since, something inside me was restless to do more. Not just for acknowledgment or praise this time; I genuinely wanted to be a good Alpha to my pack. Not the type who people were forced to respect just because of my title. I wanted to be loved by them. I wanted to be the kind of Alpha my pack would feel blessed to have.
I decided to go around the pack more often instead of just
staying cooped up in my office. Get acquainted with people like the principal of the school, and the grocer, not to mention too many. Basically, I want to get more involved.
did I end up not forgetting anything, but I also found a way to incorporate some humor into it, leaving everyone in good spirits at the end of the speech and the official beginning of
the event.
Isabella was still not present and I wondered if she really planned to sit it out. I’m certain she had been excited for today up until she went into her studio this morning and things went downhill. I imagined her miserable and getting drunk in her office and my heart clenched with guilt.
Grabbing a glass of champagne from one of the stewards, I forced myself to sip it slowly, my fist clenched as my wolf fought me over my treatment towards our mate.
“It’s not like we’ve actually marked and mated her.” I gritted silently.
Yeah? And whose fault is that? He growled and I rolled my eyes, finally downing the glass and grabbing another one, looking around for a party I could join. A conversation will help clear my head.
“Alpha Joe.” Someone chuckled, slapping the addressed Alpha on his back. “I’m surprised to not see you here with your Luna.”
“My mate’s too pregnant to be in attendance.” He said, his eyes shining with pride.
His friend looked at him surprised, “Baby number five, I suppose.” He said and Alpha Joe shook his head.
“Baby number six.” He confirmed and I nearly spurted out my drink. His friend’s eyes bulged.
Twenty–Five
288 Vouchers
“You creating your own pack, Joe?” He asked and the men around roared in laughter.
“Neither I nor Cynthia would have been fine with only one or two.kids.” He said, scrunching up his nose. “So laugh all you want.” He said, joining in on the laughter.
“Oooh, I love this one.” One young Luna said and her mate, one of the younger Alphas wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to him as they viewed one of the paintings.
I recognized it as one of the older works by one of my great- grandfathers. The best works of our art legends were also on display today as well as the new works of the artists the pack presently boasted of. Those artists were in attendance as well, receiving praise and answering questions.
“Pity they don’t sell the art here. I would’ve definitely bought it for you.”
She giggled, leaning into his chest and I rolled my eyes, taking a sip of my drink. I promise I wasn’t jealous. They were just too cheesy. Acting like they’re the first pair of mates to walk the earth.
“Pity, I haven’t seen any of Isabella Rossi’s works.”
My ears instantly perked up.
“I would have fought them to buy one.” She said and her mate chuckled. “That’s what I anticipated the most. I mean, I anticipated seeing her too but seeing her paintings in person would have sufficed, I guess. There is something about her art, you know. She just really inspires me. Did you know we are the same age? Miss Rossi and I.”
Twenty–Five
288 Vouchers
“I actually didn’t know that. Let’s ask Alpha Alexander if she’s going to be in attendance.”
Hearing that, I quickly excused myself and went to find somewhere else to perch myself. This time I joined a group of people who were berating an artist with questions about his abstract painting. I joined them, intrigued, realizing that I would also like to know.
It was just so unique and I did not understand it at all but the thing about the painting was that somehow you’d know that there was something more to it. You’d know that there was a meaning, an explanation you needed to seek out. I offered my praise for the work and I saw the man swell with pride before making my way towards a group of older Alphas.
I had just remembered my father recommending such conversations. As people who had occupied the Alpha position for years, they would definitely have more wisdom in their words, and joining in such conversation would do me a lot of good and really broaden my thinking. He was right apparently and I was drawn into the conversation immediately.
We talked a lot about health care and pack intelligence and security when one of them suggested we go grab something. to eat. I agreed, steering them towards the direction of the food table but just then an awful smell filled the room and my eyes instantly darted to the entrance, seeing five men walk in, all suited up like they were here for the event but I knew better.
Apart from their horrid smell, one could only look at the crazed look in their eyes to see that they did not belong here at all, and neither did they belong in any pack as it was the life
they had chosen for themselves.
Intercept those men! I linked the head of security but either they weren’t planning on wasting any time or they had noticed that I had picked up on who they were cause they instantly jumped, shifting in the air and landing on all fours.
The sound of glass breaking rang out as they had shifted just beside the champagne glass tower and then came the screams. Mostly from the women as a commotion broke out with people rushing about in fear and confusion. The men who came with their mates were seen pulling them behind them as their eyes located my father and I.
I could tell they all wanted to shift and fight but I knew most wanted to make sure their mates would be safe first and wouldn’t let them fight even if they wanted to.
So I took control. I linked Caleb and Mason to take the ladies and any of the guests who would not be averted towards leaving to somewhere safer because although I was confident in my pack being capable of handling this matter ourselves. Most Alphas would not like to simply leave in the face of something like this.
It would hurt their pride as much as it would hurt the pride of my pack to not handle this all by ourselves. Caleb and Mason immediately jumped into action, leading a bunch of people through the other doors while I nodded at Blake who nodded back before we both shifted, the shredding sounds of our clothes as well as those of the pack fighters who had been alerted and others around the room who had all taken my shifting as a go–ahead ringing out.
Lemiled to
288 Vouchers
myself at how easy this would be when the stench grew stronger and more rogues began jumping through the window and pouncing on guests and fighters. We still weren’t outnumbered but just barely.
I growled loudly, my voice shaking the windows and breaking whatever glasses were left unbroken as I let anger overcome the slight dread that was slowly filling my chest. I was angry at them for ruining what I had worked for and for daring to attack my pack in the first place.
I charged at one and grabbed him by the shoulder and with one swift lunge, I sank my canines into his neck and when I withdrew it was along with his jugular.
Ispat the disgusting flesh away and barely watched the rogue fall dead before grabbing the one trying to scale my back and pinning him underneath my paws.
