But I'm Not An Alpha!

Chapter 5

"Are you sure you will be okay kiddo? You really look worse for it." Alberto asked as he dropped off the cup and plate, noting the lack of food eaten.

"I will be okay..." He had to be... today was a big day. And he didn't want to let anyone down. He walked over to grab another glass of juice and downed it in a single gulp. It really did help, even if it was brief.

He could hear the pair whispering to each other as he stepped back over to the table, but stopped before he could hear what they were saying. They both looked at him and he could tell they were worried so he forced a smile to reassure them that he was ready and willing to work hard.

"Don't worry yourself sweetie. You just need to relax and look cute tonight. We have everything covered and plenty of servants to make sure no one is unattended. Don't work yourself too hard, okay? If it gets too much or I see you getting worse I will send you to your room." He nodded and they left for the main hall. The guests should be arriving in less than an hour. All the preparations were ready. Joong surveyed the empty room, his head feeling a little light as he descended the stairs. He could see Lucie and Dunk standing next to a table of flowers and he called for her. She looked up and her frown deepened even more.

"Oh lord not you too sir. We got Dunk here already feeling off and now you look like you could use a chair as well. What in the world is going around here? Boy I hope I don't catch it. Lord knows this place would fall to pieces if I wasn't here to keep it together." Joong glanced over at Dunk, who stared at the floor, obviously avoiding eye contact with him. He did notice the boy seemed a bit paler than normal and yet at the same time he looked a bit flushed as he stood there trying to put on a brave face, pretending to be fine when he wasn't. But Joong could tell something was off with him. His scent... was it sweeter than before? It was definitely stronger. Strong enough to affect even him. He was surprised that no one else seemed to be affected by it, but the rest of the crew bustled around like there was nothing amiss.

"I'm fine Lucie. Just a little worn from all the traveling. It's a bit stuffy in here, let's open a few more windows to let the natural light in and get some more airflow through the house. We don't want our guests to be uncomfortable." Lucie looked at him as though he had said something foreign and glanced up to the windows he was referring to.

"But sir... they are already open.." Joong looked up to confirm that indeed all the windows were open.

"All of them?" He repeated and Lucie nodded.

"Yes sir, all the windows have been opened. It is a rather pleasant day today so I wanted to freshen out the house a bit. Perhaps if you took a stroll outside for a bit then it would help cool you down? There is a nice breeze coming through, quite pleasant." Lord now she had two of them to look after. What crime had she committed in her former life to be saddled with so much stress in this one?

"Mmm maybe a walk would be nice. Pond should be here soon, let him know I am in the garden when he arrives." With another glance towards Dunk, Joong walked off towards the exit and Dunk let out the breath he had been holding. He could feel his body aching just being close to Joong and he made a mental note to try and avoid him as much as possible tonight. He didn't want to cause a scene and lose face if something happened and for some reason his symptoms got worse when Joong was around.

"Should I do another spritz of disinfecting spray before the guests arrive? Lord, I don't want anyone getting sick at the party. That would be all I need." Lucie was talking to herself as a strange man, tall and handsome. and very loudly Alpha, approached them.

"Oh Pond hello dear. Glad to see you. How is Phuwin? Did he not come with you?" Lucie hugged the man named Pond and he smiled back at her.

"Hello Auntie. Phuwin came but he got worn out so he is resting in the kitchen, pestering Al as usual. Where is the host? Hiding away in his sanctuary still?" He glanced around and settled his eyes on Dunk, who stood there quietly.