Alex and I arrive at the main Silver Bow territory entrance to several wolves on duty. They seem formal and high-strung from the jittery look in their eyes. Naturally, the gala night does invite some potential danger as all the important leaders of the Mighty Five are expected to participate along with some prominent Deltas, Gammas and other pack members.
A young man approaches us with a clipboard in hand. It only takes one look at my mismatched eyes for him to recognize whose car this is. He nods and gestures for the others to let us through. After the all clear, we drive down a long road lined with cherry blossoms. On the left stands the large packhouse while straight ahead is the pack hall, lighting up the darkness of the forest landscape.
As we step out, all eyes are on us, the newly anointed Alpha and Beta of Midnight Shadow. Well, it's been a few months of duty for us, but this will mark our first public appearance.
"Hope you know how to drive stick, kid," Alex says as he hands the keys off to the valet.
I sniff out the perfumed air of men and women with stern looks and solid nods. Despite leading the Mighty Five, we Lycans have never done too well in the social department. Something I'd hoped would change with the engagement to Bianca Greywood that has now been irreversibly broken.
An unfamiliar scent draws nearer.
"Alpha Xenakis," a tall, dark-haired gentleman steps up to me, with a small ring of yellow around his pupils. "Augustus Lee." He bows.
The more I examine his face, the better I can make out the resemblance to his daughter, especially in the slope of his angular nose and high cheekbones.
"Let me escort you in," he offers.
It's hard to miss the murmurs and whispers that ensue as Augustus and I walk side-by-side. They remind me how most wolves view the tigers, as the glorified pets of the Greywoods. I admit my perception of them was a little bit influenced by these murmurs and whispers, but as my destiny bond with Astrid develops, curiosity has evolved into admiration. And that is what I feel when Augustus and I walk together of how gracious it is of him to have introduced himself to me.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Lee," I greet, but he only looks straight ahead, ignoring my pleasantries.
Well, I supposed I can't expect an immediate sense of amicability between us just yet.
"Is it a pleasure because I am a Delta tiger, or because my daughter is your supposed destined?"
"She is my destined," I gently correct him.
"Look here," he turns to face me, his eyes now pure gold. "I may not have any say in the divinities of the Moon Goddess, but if you so much as force my daughter into something she does not want to be a part of, I will find out and I will tear you to shreds, even if it costs me my life."
I sense Alex's agitation trigger as he huffs hot air beside me. And although I feel it myself, I must also respect Augustus, however much intention lies behind his threat.
"Understood," I nod.
Suddenly, the heavenly aroma of honeyed roses enters the arena and my expression does little to hide my delight. Augustus seemingly picks up on it and we both turn to face the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.
She is, undoubtedly, unamused at the sight of her father and I standing together, but nevertheless stomps annoyedly towards our direction. I get so distracted soaking in the vision of her in an hourglass, black gown with an exquisite thigh high slit, her fast-healed ankle now in a pair of heels, that I barely notice her father slipping away with a short grunt.
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Sun & Moon
أدب نسائي"I'll have a whiskey and the lady will have a shot." A very tall man appears right beside me with a curly dark lock of hair resting above his brow that reminds me of Superman. His nose slopes down straight like a Grecian sculpture. His voice is cool...
