Alpha Dearest

Chapter 9 Pt 2

After switching back and forth so that Casey could take his shower, I was almost finished in the bathroom. I made sure my hair was curled right, and no pieces were missed. Then I smoothed out my white cocktail dress. Even though I was supposed to be discrete, I wanted to prove something to Lucy Caroline. I don't know why, I just felt like I had to.

Casey had left by the time I was finished, and the sounds of the party echoed from outside. Walking over to the window, I looked down at the people below. Letting my eyes trail over the large crowd, my hand founds its way up to the window, pressing itself against the cold glass. One day, these people will be my people. Every one of these wolves will know me and my story, they will accept me, and everything I lost will be made better.

Then my eyes landed on Lucy Caroline, with her pink-blonde hair in its beach waves, and her fancy outfit consisting of dark wash skinny jeans and a band shirt. Around her stood her cousins, all nodding respectfully to people who came to talk to them. As if she felt my eyes on her, she lifted her head towards the window. I quickly placed my back against the wall, out of the way of the window.

Taking a deep breath, I refused to let myself get worked up because of her. I was going to prove to her that I wasn't 'the girl from the council' any more. I'd been here for a few weeks now, and this was my home. She wasn't going to take me away from it, from Casey, or anyone, and I was going to prove it to her from across the lawn, so it wasn't suspicious.

'Gosh, that sounds lame,' I said to myself, but I knew Casey and Alpha Damian and Shanie were depending on me to do it that way.

Leaving the comforting spell of my mate, I walked down the hallways and to the stairs that spiraled around the statue of the wolf. People gave me friendly smiles as they saw me, walking around the beautiful Pack House. Shanie stood at the bottom of the stairs and glared when she saw me.

Gripping my arm, she pulled me close. "What took you so long?" She whisper-yelled and I gave her an annoyed look.

"Your brother takes forever in the shower!"

Looking me in the eyes, she told me, "Lucy Caroline is starting her search. If she sees you acting too friendly with us, she'll snatch you in a heartbeat. This is what my father is planning on, that she'll find her victim in the party, and we can stop her before it's too late. So just keep an eye out for us, and don't make it obvious."

I nodded. Now the party, the pack meeting, everything made sense. This was Alpha Damien's plan all along, to drag them in with 'trust' and 'hospitality' so they would be caught red handed. I pushed myself away from Shanie and into the crowd of people walking through the house to the backyard.

The music was loud and pumping, and most people- whether on the dance floor or the deck- were dancing. Blue eyes caught mine, and I gave a small smile to Casey, who was over by his father, talking. But as I let them linger, Lucy Caroline snuck up beside me.

"Admiring someone?" She whispered in my ear, a smirk audible in her raspy voice.

I turned my head, giving her my best sneer and evil eye. "Actually, I was. My friend Adam is over on the dance floor, and very interested in a partner. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

I walked off, risking a quick glance at the Alpha's, who were all standing together and ready for action. When they saw I was no longer being in harm's way, they dispersed into the crowd, and I was enveloped by the group of dancing bodies.

When I caught up with Adam, who was chatting with Kellan, he gave me a warm welcome, "Ready to dance?"

He gave me a flirty smile, and Kellan winked to me behind his back. I gave my friend the best fake smile I could. I felt bad about her not knowing about my mate, and leading her on about Adam but it was safest. She gave us time alone and lost us in the mob.