“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Brandon’s mom asked, hands on her hips. She was thin, with the same golden eyes as her son.
I instantly got out of bed and sort of bowed. I grimaced, feeling embarrassed about my appearance. My hair was a mess and I still had my pajamas on.
I looked at Brandon’s parents. His father was tall, with very broad shoulders and shared the same sunny blond hair. There was an obvious resemblance to Brandon in both of his parents. But did they share his arrogant personality?
“This is Amelia Pureblood,” Brandon cleared his throat, “the future Luna.”
He forced a smile onto his face as his parents studied me.
“So this is the future Luna of our pack? Hmm.” His mom gave me a scrutinized stare and I nervously stood my ground. I didn’t look away, holding her sharp stare. I really wanted her to like me.
She had the posture of a monarch, a real Luna. She was also pretty tall, which made me feel even more inferior. She kind of scared me.
His mother’s face broke into a wide grin, making her whole aura change directions.
“Perfect! She’ll do finely!” She said joyously. I almost stopped breathing.
Wait, what?
She walked over and gave me a quick hug. I hesitantly hugged her back, a little confused.
How quickly she changed moods. I thought she was going to yell at me or something. It looked like she hated me. She seemed so strict and scary but my first impression was definitely wrong.
“Nice to meet you, Luna Amelia.” His father held out a hand and I shook it firmly, “Call me Joe.”
“You can call me Emma, Amelia,” Emma told me, grabbing my arm affectionately, “Welcome to the family,” She kept her big smile and glowing excitement.
“Nice to finally meet you, too,” I added and they smiled like they just won the lottery.
Were these the same people related to Brandon? This Brandon over here?
“Brandon didn’t mention he found his mate.” His father Joe said, sharing a look with Emma. They both nodded at each other.
“He forgot to mention a lot of other things,” I said, staring at him.
“Well, yes,” Emma said uneasily. Then her eyes brightened to liquid gold. “Anyway, we have told the pack that we are planning a feast.”
“Feast?” Brandon and I asked at the same time.
“A special feast to honor the future Luna, of course.” Joe explained and I shot him a terrified look. “After, we’ll have a party to celebrate your reign.”
“I don’t really think-” Brandon started to argue but was interrupted by his mom.
“Amelia deserves to have a proper welcome. I hope our son was hospitable towards you,” Emma said while shooting her son a death glare.
“O-Of course.” I lied. “He was very hospitable.”
“The feast begins at six. Wear something pretty,” Emma reminded me and I nodded. “And Brandon, for God’s sake, stop swearing with that mouth of yours.” She scolded and they both turned to leave.
“I guess we’re having a feast tonight.” Brandon scowled. “So much for no one knowing about you.”
I forced a smile on my face, silently hoping that Albert would never find out about this. But my optimistic smile faltered.
Who was I kidding?
“Let’s just get this over with.” I sighed, feeling exhausted.
*****
Albert rarely had parties at the castle. The only time he allowed them was for holidays or birthdays.
Brandon told me to stay in my room the whole time and to never talk to anyone but him. He sent a servant to help me with my hair and dress but I sent her away. I was used to doing things by myself.
I chose a white dress, one that Brandon specifically said not to wear. It was above the knee and strapless. Brandon told me to pick one that was floor length with straps. But I couldn’t blindly follow his orders anymore. I wanted to show him that I was more than a little girl who listened to her parents. I could make my own decisions.
I slipped on silver wedges since I couldn’t walk in heels higher than two inches. I was a living nightmare with heels on, it was actually kind of sad.
I heard a harsh knock on the door and I froze.
“Are you ready yet? Girls take forever to get ready.” Brandon mumbled under his breath.
“Come in,” I ignored that comment and rolled my eyes.
Brandon walked in with a sleek black suit that flattered his muscular body. His normally blond hair looked brown when it was slicked back. I hated to say it, but I was physically attracted to him.
“Everyone’s waiting for us so you better-” Brandon gaped at me, running his eyes over my body, “- hurry up.” He finished, swallowing.
“I’m ready.” I replied, walking up to where he stood.
He blinked.
“I thought I made it clear that the dress was suppose to cover your legs.”
“Why? Is this making you uncomfortable?” I asked with my hands on my hips. I usually wasn’t so bold, I was always the little obedient girl who always followed the rules. I was confident, but not too confident. My brother would call it sass.
He faltered for a second, looking at my bare legs. He was obviously affected. Until he regained his common sense and growled.
“I won’t have other wolves looking at you.” He said possessively and my wolf loved hummed to life. She liked how possessive he was.
“Change.”
“No.” I defied.
“Change.” He commanded, using his Alpha command on me.
I couldn’t believe he just used his command on me!
“I can do whatever I want and you can’t stop me.” I snapped, angry that he tried to use his status to force me to change dresses.
Brandon shook his head, “You better know what you’re doing,”
Brandon and I made our way to the dining room. It was pretty big, bigger than ours, with twice a much wolves seated at the tables.
All eyes were on me as I entered. In fact, every single person was staring at me. Probably trying to figure out who I was since I would be their Luna.
“Welcoming our future Luna!” Joe’s voice echoed off the golden walls and I smiled, all eyes watching me with curiosity. Joe raised his glass and everyone did the same. “To the Alpha and his Luna, long may they reign!”
Wolves of all ages clapped and tapped glasses with one another as Brandon and I sat down. My chair was a golden throne, bolted to the floor, and I wondered if my chair was empty before I came. A silent reminder to Brandon that he was missing his mate.
Brandon was at the head of the table with me by his side. He looked proud. Joe and Emma were on his left, chatting away.
I picked up my wine glass and took a light sip.
“I’m very excited to see the faces of my future grandchildren,” Emma said in a happy voice.7
The wine I was drinking got caught in my throat and I ended up choking. It took a few seconds for me to cough it back up.
“Mother!” Brandon shouted, looking annoyed.
“What?” Emma asked innocently, looking from me to Brandon. “The pack needs heirs.”
He’s a monster! A shallow, bloodlusted monster!
A monster you kissed, my wolf pointed out.
That kiss meant nothing.
“Brandon and I just met. We haven’t even kissed yet.” I said matter-of-factly and Brandon’s attention snapped onto me. I looked away.
“Of course, there’s no need to rush. Leave them be, Emma,” Joe interjected and I smiled at him gratefully.
“For now,” Emma smiled at me, like she had a plan that was yet to unravel.
*****
The feast part was over but soon began the dancing part. We all moved to a ballroom. Someone dimmed the lights and began to play Pitbull. The room was an energetic powerhouse.
I danced for a little while until my feet hurt and I retired to sitting at an empty table. I watched the other wolves, trying to see evil killers and heartless soldiers but they were just like the wolves in my pack. Ordinary people.
“Amy,” Brandon walked up to me, staring down at me, “Dance with me.”
I gave him a look of surprise but didn’t move from my seat.
“My mother wanted me to ask you.” He said through gritted teeth. There was the Brandon I knew. Always such a gentleman.
“Fine. But only because your mom asked.” I took his hand and I felt that familiar spark as soon as we touched. I wished it would stop doing that.
Just my luck, a slow song began the same time we stepped onto the dance floor.
Brandon wrapped both arms around my waist and I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“How does a person with such good parents and a perfect home end up as a murderous psychopath?” I asked, keeping my voice light.
“Someday I’ll tell you.”
He actually wasn’t a bad dancer. He didn’t step on my feet or hold me too tight like I thought he would. He held me just right.
“We’ve got time.”
He looked straight into my eyes. “You were right. I have PTSD.” Finally, he admitted it. “I can’t sleep and I have flashbacks.”
He twirled me once and I somehow ended up closer to him.
“Flashbacks of what?”
“West, Darcy, all of the wolves that were killed in the war between our packs.” He explained and I bit my lip. Albert was responsible for most of those deaths.
So he did have a heart after all. I thought he was born without one.
“We can solve the conflict between our packs. If you just talk to Albert, we could make a truce-”
“No.” He refused to listen to me. “You don’t get it and you never will.”
Abruptly, he pulled his hands away from my waist and stalked off into the crowd. I wanted to shout at the world with utter frustration.
Why was he so confusing!