Ch. 241..250

Chapter 0241

I have no idea what got into me, but Alpha Reggie and Warrior Osiston didn't stop me, so I put a finality to the conversation and then looked to them for what to do next as I came out of the haze that clouded me while I was putting this Alpha in his place. What I saw was not what I expected.

I expected shock or horror or disapproval at my speaking out and over them basically.

They both had the biggest smile on their faces and Luna Anne gave me a wink.

I took a look around the room at the rest of the Alphas and their entourage, including some of the daughters I was wamed about. Varying looks of disbelief, surprise, disgust and fear littered all their faces and I just wanted to sink into my chair, feeling like I made a spectacle of myself.

I was just here to offer my opinions, not take over a discussion, no matter how much Alpha Brecc deserved to have his pompous ass told off. I looked down at my portfolio, looking at the schedule I have basically memorized, but needing something to do.

“Don't shy away now, you just owned this room. They at least know why you’re here now and it’s not as my arm candy, you eamed your seat at this table unlike many of the people standing around the room. Although, speaking of arm candy, we need to get a picture and send it to the guys, cause I am going torture the sh*t out of them with you looking this good on my arm and not theirs.” I snap my eyes to him and can't help the smile that breaks out on my face to match his. He is trying to help me have fun in this very un- fun situation.

“I'm sure your torture of them began long before now, if their gift is any indication.” I whisper back, touching the multitude of bracelets. He just gets this smile that reminds me of Sam when he is up to no good and ready to take everyone around him down his path of troublemaking.

Before I can get lost in that train of thought though, Alpha Reggie speaks up.

“Well, Alpha Brecc, it sounds like you have your assignments. Come back to us when you have completed your tasks. Let’s take a break before we reconvene, I believe a few other packs have requests for training and warrior assistance.” He looked pointedly at each Alpha sitting at the table, letting them know they were going to get the same treatment as Alpha Brecc.

Xander stood and helped me from my chair and we followed his parents to a small chamber off of the conference room, while the rest of the Alphas and their people filed out the door we entered.

“Perks of living here is you get to use all of the fun secret rooms.” Alpha Reggie laughed as a warrior closed the door behind us"

That was spectacular, I need to bring you in more often. Alpha Brecc is usually difficult and likes to monopolize the conversation, as you saw. He also likes to ask for more than what he actually needs, just to see what he can get. I didn't realize that it was your pack that led the relief assistance for those attacks."

I nodded in agreement. “It was the first time Gamma Brett and Delta Kyle let me go outside the pack with the warriors.

I don't even know if my father and brother know I was a part of that team. We obviously had to get permission to cross Alpha Brecc’s territory and he was slow to give it, even though he never actually came to meet us.

That's why his warrior recognized me and not him. We helped the surrounding packs come up with their patrols and work together while the clean up and recovery went on.

The damage was pretty severe in the Shadow pack, and it lessened the further south it moved along the borders of the Moon Valley Pack and the Eclipse Pack towards the Royal pack. It was like

a mushroom top of destruction that didn’t extend too deep into the packs themselves, but that land was destroyed and any structures close to the borders were demolished.

The lrontooth pack had nothing to worry about based on the evidence, I just think Alpha Brecc wanted the attention the other packs were getting. So we did what we were doing with the rest of the packs, damage control and clean-up and plans for training and protection.

He obviously was under the wrong impression if he thought Royal Pack warriors Came in and stayed to run patrol details and rebuild buildings.” I laughed a little at the thought.

Chapter 0242

“Well, we will have to check in with Eclipse and Moon Valley and see if they have implemented your strategies.” Alpha Reggie takes a few notes in his portfolio.

We each grab a drink and use the private restrooms to freshen up. Luna Anne has her hair and make-up artists ready to touch me up when I come out. Once I am deemed satisfactory we head back out to the room, where almost everyone is waiting. Alpha Brecc’s seat is empty, so he is either annoyed at the outcome of his request or he is planning to make a grand entrance and wants to come in after the King to feel more important.

My second assumption was right, not a minute after the King had sat down he walked in with, I assume, his son, looking all too happy to keep us waiting. Alpha REggie was having none of his shenanigans and started speaking to the Alphas of Moon Valley and Eclipse before Alpha Brecc could take a seat or be acknowledged.

Alpha Reggie asked about the improvements and repairs and both Alphas spoke volumes about the assistance they received from my pack and how well things have been going. They even thanked me personally and asked me to pass on my thanks to my Alpha for lending the assistance and to my Gamma and Delta for all of the help on the ground. I couldn’t help but smile at them in return, this is why I want to be a warrior, to help those who need it. It's not about the praise, but the looks of pride on their faces means everything.

The rest of the day was less eventful, and admittedly more fun. Alpha Brecc avoided me like it was his job, but there were curious stares from everyone else.

The battle strategies meeting was by far my favorite. I took more notes than I thought possible of all the contingencies that had to be thought of for the Kingdom at large and then for each individual pack.

Because of how our kingdom was situated with many of the packs having ocean access, our defensive strategies varied wildly from those who were surrounded by land on all sides.

I did find out about an area of land the Elders called no man’s land that seems to not be populated by anyone from our kingdom or the surrounding kingdoms. But there was speculation of Rogues taking up residence there, but in hiding.

Alpha Reggie said that the other Kings and himself decided that as long as the Rogues keep to themselves, they don't see the harm, but the land is heavily monitored because of the recent attacks and everyone wants to blame a Rogue.

We had a late lunch after the second round of meetings, but Luna Anne and I had to go do a wardrobe change.

Apparently we had to wear a different outfit to each meal. I didn’t argue, because they left my hair and make-up alone and still allowed me to wear pants. This time I was in an emerald green three piece suit. The material looked stiff

and unforgiving, but was actually very comfortable. The pants were tapered to fit tight at my ankle where I wore a matching green set of thick heeled booties. The vest served as a top under the suit jacket. What made it a little extra was it was made like a halter-style corset. It fit tight and gave my figure even more definition than I actually had. The bottom of the vest wrapped around my low back, again leaving most of it exposed if I chose to take off the fitted jacket.

This time Xander did make me take a photo with him, with and without the jacket, before we even went down to the ballroom. He didn't even hesitate to fire them off to the guys. Which resulted in the both of us laughing at their responses through the whole of lunch.

I The final meeting we attended was with the Elders and the warriors connected with the safety of the Royal pack. This room is smaller with a long rectangular table to seat the couple dozen people

allowed in the room.

Chapter 0243

“We have heard all day of the varying attacks that seem to be testing our border protection as individual packs and as a kingdom. As we have gathered information, the attacks seem to be similar enough that we should assume it is from the same group. We do not have any confirmation that it is Rogues, but we hope it isn’t another pack or Kingdom. At this point we need to plan for both options.” Warrior Nickolas starts.

“We have been given some ideas for updates to our own border and territory patrols and contingency plans to keep our pack members safe in the event of an attack.” Warrior Osiston chimes in, then clicks a button and a screen opens up from the far side of the room. The picture is a schematic of the castle and surrounding areas, complete with a 3D image of what the inside of the mountain looks like and what appears to be escape tunnels from different portions of the territory. All the different ideas we had talked about on Alpha Lucas’ patio what seems like forever ago.

“The only people privy to this knowledge are sitting in this room now. There are different reports of what the safety protocols are for the Royal Pack and those rumors can keep circulating. This keeps any enemy guessing as to what we are fully capable of.” Nickolas begins, but is interrupted by one of the Elders who I have forgotten the name of, but he has been in the not-happy-about-my- presence-with-Xander team all day.

“What about the young lady? How do we know she won't be swayed to give out information if a smooth talking boy comes along? Or what if she is captured and tortured? The little thing wouldn't last five minutes."

Warrior Osiston clears his throat to stop the Elder and probably to keep me in my seat, cause I am about ready to jump over this table and show him what I am made of.

There is nothing I can do about my size, but I am done with it being brought up over and over again today like it is my fatal flaw.

“First, Elder Sam, she is an Elite Warrior and as a warrior what she has had to endure and survive is beyond your comprehension. Second, she is the one who destroyed the original safety plans the Elders had in place and single handedly came up with what you are looking at now, with multiple contingencies. It is safe to say she can be trusted."

I got another disbelieving look from some, but not all the Elders as they looked at the image on the screen with the new knowledge that it was my idea. I couldn't pay any attention to them though as Warriors Osiston and Nickolas went through the 3D model explaining what the build out plan would look like and how we would keep it a secret.

I was in awe of how they took something as simple as my words and demonstration with patio utensils and made it into this amazing thing. I could see where they enhanced ideas that I had vaguely touched on and added things I never thought to.

The collaboration was incredible and it made my heart swell to know I was a part of something so important.

Chapter 0244

When our third meeting was over we had some time to kill before dinner and then the ball, which seemed to be all the women talked about. Luna Anne was not wrong, the females are only here to be paraded around like prizes for the choosing. I can't imagine wanting to be with anyone other than my Goddess given mate no matter what their rank is.

But I also did not grow up like the rest of these girls, so I can't judge, yet. No matter how hard I want to, given the looks I am getting from them.

I decided to take a walk in the halls that no one else was allowed in upstairs just to listen to silence after all of the talking and noise. I am slowly walking not really paying attention, I know there is a guard following me somewhere out of sight, he'll make sure I'm back where I need to be on time. All of the paintings and stained glass in the castle are fascinating. They depict times and places in our history that I’m sure I’ve read about, but there is nothing to indicate what they represent, so I'll have to ask Luna Anne to give me a real tour one of these days.

As I'm admiring a painting of one of the Alpha Kings and his family, I hear a scuffle not far from me. There are several little nooks and alcoves to hide in up here. I’m sure that’s by design for a quick getaway. I wouldn't be surprised if there are secret passageways too.

I try to ignore the sound, it could be one of the Omegas cleaning or someone else trying to sneak around up here, either way it’s none of my business. Until the sound overpowers my discipline and my curiosity takes over. It sounds like a muted fight, like pushing and shoving, which can be so many things in a place like this. I finally get to a tapestry where the shuffle is the loudest, there isn't really any talking, but definitely at least two people. I really should just walk away, but what if something bad is happening?

Some of the guys here are creepy, I would feel terrible if I found out someone was taking advantage of one of the younger Omegas that works here. I take a deep breath and pull back the tapestry, enough to be noticed, but not enough to expose whoever is back here, if it is innocent.

“Skylar! What are you doing here?” Xander shouts jumping away from a very nice looking guy, right around Xander’s age, maybe a little younger.

They both look disheveled, there is no question as to what was going on here. Xander's pristinely pressed suit is wrinkled and his dress shirt is untucked in places and his cheeks are flushed, but I don't know if that is from the activity or from being caught.

“I’m so sorry Xander. I heard noises and I wasn't sure what was going on, and no one else is supposed to be up here, so I thought maybe something was wrong...” I trailed off, placing my hands on my cheeks, getting more and more embarrassed as I spoke. I’m sure my face was as bright red as Xander's.

“Hey, hey. It's okay. I’m glad you came to check.” He's smiling like an idiot. “This is Oscar, my mate.” He turns and looks at Oscar like they are the only two people in the room.

“I only found him a week ago, he’s been touring the packs helping with training. His dad is our Royal Delta.” : I just nod, no idea how to respond to that. Then something clicks. “Wait! Is this why there is so much fuss over you finding a mate? Everyone is trying to mate you to a female since you're the prince?"

“You weren't lying, she is quick.” Oscar has a deep soothing voice. It’s instantly calming. “It's something like that. Xander is 24, he should have found his mate, or in this case mates, by now, but the Moon Goddess has plans, so here we are.”

Chapter 0245

“Wait? Mates? As in more than one? How do you know there is more than one?"

They both smile at me"

My mom has a direct link to the Moon Goddess and when | passed my twenty second birthday with no sign or hint of a mate she reached out to make sure there was nothing else we could or should be doing. The Moon Goddess said that my mates were coming and we should be patient. We assume our other mate is a female, since that would make the most sense since | need to produce an heir to continue the family line, but | am happy to have Oscar now.” He reaches back to hold Oscar’s hand"

Obviously, we can't tell anyone. The Elders would have a field day thinking I’m gay or bisexual, it’s not really in their generational DNA, but they would also see it as another reason to push me to take a chosen mate. The problem is, with Oscar the decision is no longer just mine and we don't want anyone, but our chosen mate.” | “Okay, so | keep playing buffer then, works for me.” | shrug trying to play it off like it was no big deal that | walked in on their make-out session, something | am very NOT comfortable with. “I’m going to head over to Luna Anne's Suite and start to get ready. Who knows how long they will need to prep me for this ball.” | sigh at the thought, but turn quickly to go.

| need to not be here right now.| understand the concept of hooking up, goddess knows my brother and the rest of the guys do it plenty, but it has never been something on my radar. Boys are still not that kind of novelty for me. | don't know if there is something wrong with me, but | just don't understand the girls who fall all over themselves to get a guy's attention.

Don't get me wrong, | can appreciate a good looking guy like anyone else, I just never understood wanting to cross any of those lines with anyone who wasn't my mate. | | was lost in thought as | walked into Luna Anne’s suite"

Perfect timing! | was just going to send Barty after you so we can get started. | can't wait! You are going to look amazing!! Now go jump in the shower and use the special scrub that | put in there for you, oh and don't wash your hair, it will go up better with the product from this morning.”

° | just stared at her. “Being a girl is really complicated. Give me crack of dawn training in the rain and mud any day over all of this craziness.”

| mutter as | head to the bathroom and all three ladies just laugh behind me like | am joking, but I’m not. This is borderline torture. Why can't | be like the guys and just put on a suit, pull my hair back in a ponytail and call it a night? At least | don’t have to go through the crazy Luna ceremony. | heard the one for the Luna Queen lasts a week and is just ritual after ritual and party after party. | don’t even want to know how many wardrobe changes there would be for that, if | had to do three just for this Elder conference today.

Those thoughts took me into the shower where | found a scrub that had actual directions on how to use it properly.

Apparently there are steps that | have to follow exactly to get my skin silky smooth. Why that has to be a thing, | have no idea, no one is going to put their hands on me except Xander and | don't think | need to impress my gay cousin.

That thought made me giggle out loud a little.

“Are you alright in there?” Luna Anne questions me.

“Yeah. | just didn't know that body wash and scrubs could be this complicated.” | half told the truth. She just laughed back at me.

Chapter 0246

“You really don't do any of the girly things do you? I thought maybe you were just being shy.” She calls back through the door.

“Nope, this is nothing I have ever experienced before. My nanny wasn't allowed to give me anything that might make me spoiled or ungrateful. And I've really only felt comfortable on the training field and none of this stuff is necessary."

“It’s okay though, right? We're not making you too uncomfortable are we? I really never thought to ask how you feel about all of this."

“It's fine, Luna Anne, just new to me that’s all. I really don't want to make a fool of myself, but it feels like some of these girls have been training in dress wearing and speaking topics the way that I have been training in battle strategy and I don't want to embarrass you or Alpha Reggie.” I say as I finally step out and grab a fluffy soft white towel to dry off with.

I step out to where they all are. They have seen every part of me today, so I have become less shy around these ladies.

“Oh, sweet girl, you could never embarrass us. You are unique and amazing in your own way and many of the girls here are trying to fit into a mold that the old fuddy duddies have decided is what a young woman should be. Just keep being your amazing self.”

“What is tonight going to be like? Is it just a dance and mingling or is there something I am expected to do?" I look at Luna Anne through the mirror as the hair stylist brushes through the copious amounts of hairspray from this morning.

“Reggie and I open the ball and since you will be with Xander you both will join us for that first dance. Normally he Sits it out so he doesn't have to pick among the ladies who he will dance with. Something similar happened to Reggie before he found me and it cause a whole slew of problems.

The Alpha took it as him choosing his daughter as a chosen mate and spread that rumor the whole night, which of course caused many fight and almost a dispute between two packs. So unless the Alpha Prince or Princess shows up with a date, they don't do the opening dance.” She chuckles humorlessly. “After that you will both make the rounds getting to know the Elders and Alphas and the future Alphas since there will be several who will take over in the next year or two.” My eyes raised up to hers, I don't even have to ask the question.

“Your boys will not be here, they have at least six or seven more years before they start attending with Lucas and Ava.

We really only have them join when they are ready to take over so relationships can be established. The young Alphas still do the training together here in the summers until we start that transition.” She looked at me with sympathy.

For the briefest moment my heart fluttered as I thought that I would get to see them and explain what happened, but not yet. I did bring a letter for Xander to take to them. There was no way I could write them individually and I tried to explain that with my five page letter, but I also didn’t want to say anything that would get anyone in trouble. I know we aren't supposed to have outside contact for the first two years of training so we stay focused.

Once my hair is done I switch with Luna Anne and get Started with the make-up artist. She really was very good at her job. I could see the subtle transformation she created with the make-up and it was way more intense than it was this morning, but I still looked like me, just enhanced.

Chapter 0247

I was able to eat a snack before she finished with my make- up, thank the Goddess. Then we each slipped into our dresses and I never felt more exposed and covered up at the same time.

There was nothing hanging out or scandalous about my dress, but every cut and seam accentuated my fifteen year old body and I felt every bit the woman I was pretending to be tonight.

The light ice blue fabric had a little shimmer I didn't see when we tried it on a week ago and it made my eyes shine. The ornate crystal jewels sparked and caught every beam of light and reflected it in every direction possible. The scoop at my neck made me feel very safe and I knew there wouldn't be any wardrobe malfunctions.

I could feel the cool clasp inbetween my shoulder blades where the jeweled straps extended over my shoulders and attached, making sure the dress was secure, again leaving my back otherwise uncovered, the theme of the day. The high slit up the front of my leg was hidden unless I took gigantic steps, but gave the feeling of being mature. My hair was pulled to the side in some kind of intricate knot that was full of braids and curls.

Most of it was off my back and shoulder, but a few tendrils were loose and curled down, looking effortlessly low key in an elegant way. : I just smiled at myself. Luna Anne could dress me anytime. I looked and felt amazing, but I wasn't uncomfortable in any way. I smiled at her in the mirror again, loving the way she and Luna Ava just took me in and mothered me in a way that I never knew I needed or wanted, but always appreciated. It almost brought me to tears, but I was pulled from my thoughts by a soft knock at the door.

"It’s time, Luna Anne whispers behind me. Here we go again." She has a delicate little laugh that is very practiced.

It's the same one she used all day today listening to the Elders and other ranked members telling her stories that were supposed to be amusing, but she's probably heard a million times.

I followed Luna Anne out into the hallway not looking up, making sure everything was where it was supposed to be before we made it downstairs.

"Oh hell no!” A shout from in front of Luna Anne has me looking up sharply for something wrong"

You have got to be kidding me. I am so f*cking screwed!"

"Xander! Language!” Luna Anne scolds him while I'm still looking around to figure out what's wrong.

"Seriously! You're going to ‘language’ me when I am going to die tonight?"

"What's wrong? Why are you being so dramatic,” I ask, walking over to him.

"I told you that you would have your hands full, did I exaggerate?” She says, a little flippantly.

“I just thought you meant tonight with all the people here, not that the potential for me to be murdered in my sleep was at 99%. I'm going to die, they will kill me if I’m too close, but they will also kill me if anyone else gets too close. I'm so screwed,” Xander repeats.

“What are you rambling about? Get a grip!” I look at him like he's lost his mind.

"You are supposed to look pretty, like the beautiful fifteen-year-old that you are. You are not supposed to look like a supermodel ready for your centerfold.” He scrubs his hands over his face.

“Huh?! I don't understand.” I'm starting to panic a little. Is something wrong with the way that I look?

"Xander, stop now! Look what you are doing to her.” I have never heard Luna Anne's voice that stern before. She looks at me. "You look gorgeous, sweet girl. So beautiful, in fact, that my son has temporarily lost the use of his full brain capacity.”

She grabs my shoulders gently. "He's afraid of your brother's and the rest of your friends’ reaction to seeing you in pictures looking this amazing.

They have been very vocal in how they feel about you being so far away from them. And they will see you in this dress.” She gives me that mom look that tells me I need to be ready for whatever stupid they throw at me the next time they see me.

Chapter 0248

"Skylar, you know them. Don't pretend like they don't have a very large and unnecessary protective streak when it comes to you. They will come in the middle of the night, Sam will hold me down while your brother and Oliver break my hands and arms for touching you and Dakota will break my jaw and knock my teeth out for talking to you and Cameron will probably dig my eyes out with a rusty spoon for even looking at you. ~

"Oh, stop! First that was graphic, you have spent far too much time thinking about how they could torture you and second, you said it was an unnecessary protective streak. If they really have something to say about it they can come to me first. Although everyone here has the right to make fun of you for the rest of your life for hiding behind me and being a pansy. Now, put on your big boy panties and let's get this over with.” I roll my eyes and grab his elbow while the rest of the adults are laughing behind us"

So, dramatic.” I whisper to him.

"You do not understand, I'm not kidding when I say they are even more crazy about you now that you're gone. Something changed.” He looks at me wide eyed.

"Well, I guess that puts a damper on my plans for us to get caught making out then, that would really get you in trouble wouldn't it?’ I laugh.

"Not, funny Midge, not funny at all."

Like earlier we make our way into the elevator before the King and Queen and head down with a set of warriors. This time though, there is no one waiting for us at the bottom.

"Where is everyone?” I ask looking around hoping no one jumps out at us.

"They are all waiting in the ballroom, Miss Skylar.” Barty answers for me"

The Royal Family make their entrance together for the ball.

"Ah, I see."

We are just waiting the three minutes it will take the elevator to bring everyone else down and Xander leans in to whisper in my ear.

"You are gorgeous tonight, devastatingly gorgeous. If you thought you had a target before, you have no idea what's coming for you. No one will be able to compare.” I could feel my cheeks heat at his compliment and my heart is racing for so many reasons. "We shouldn't be separated for any reason tonight, but if I am not with you, stay close to my mother. You have a guard assigned to you as well.”

I looked at him and I'm sure my face let him know how I felt about that. He took a deep breath and sighed before continuing.

"You are the easy one to pick off from something like this. Before you argue, it's not about you not being able to fight, it's about anyone wanting to hurt us, the King, the Queen, me.

They will do it by trying to harm you and it won't be just one or two people. You clearly mean something to our family, it doesn't matter the reason, someone will try to separate you from us tonight just to see if it's possible, I can guarantee it. I don't want you to be alarmed, just on guard, same as my mother always is in these situations. As much as the men in that room think they are the superior ones, it's our females that hold all the power.

The power to remain in control, the power to heal and be kind and the power to bring a man to his knees if she is harmed. That is how important you are.”

“Okay, so no pressure then,” I half joke.

“It’s one of the reasons my father chose you. We have other females in the family that could be here, other warriors that could do the job, but for their own reasons, they don't fit the way you do. You not only fill the role of protector, you are also filling the role of my other half, and that is all the public needs to know about our situation. We want those rumors to happen, we want the power hungry Alphas and Elders to step back and you have made them do that, just by being here and being you.”

 

Chapter 0249

I just nod and he pulls me in for a hug. He has left me speechless more times than I can count today. He gives me a light kiss right on the top of my head and I smile, he is so like my big brother and I love it.

The King and Queen make it to us and we are all lined up in front of the doors to the ballroom. The make-up and hair artists check all of us to make sure we are picture ready. I can hear someone make the announcement of our arrival and then the doors are opened and we parade in.

The ballroom has been transformed since lunch. The round table have been moved to the perimeter of the room to allow for a large area in the middle for dancing and mingling. The massive chandelier in the center of the ceiling is lit dimly giving off a soft warm glow. The crystal sconces along the wall are at the same brightness. It's just enough to see and be seen, but not as bright as during the day.

The whispers start immediately when Xander and I walk through the doorway. It’s a tidal wave of murmuring and hushed sound. We make it up to the small platform our rectangular table is on, but instead of moving behind it to sit we line up in front of it. Alpha Reggie begins a speech thanking everyone for attending, stating that this was one of the most productive conferences he’s attended in along time.

He lists the alliances that have been renewed and plans we have as a kingdom to continue the fight against the Rogues. He continues speaking, but I am distracted as Xander pulls his arm from mine and wraps it around my waist, pulling me closer.

I look at him from the corner of my eye trying to school my features, but also ask what happened. He gives an almost imperceptible shake of his head and gives my hip a squeeze. Something is going on, but I have to trust him and his actions until he can tell me.

He noticed something that made him cautious, whether it was for himself or for me, I'm not sure. I have a pretty good guess though. So I lean into his side, letting him know he’s taking the lead over whatever this situation is.

When Alpha Reggie's speech is done, he directs everyone to sit while dinner is being served. Xander doesn't drop his hand from my side as he leads me around the table and instead of sitting next to his mom, he pulls out his usual chair for me to sit in between them.

"What did you notice that I missed?" I whisper to him in an almost inaudible voice, but I know with his Alpha senses he can hear me.

"Just movement I don't like.” He breathes back, "my hearing is just as good."

I wish I could mindlink you so I could explain better. Do you trust me?"

"Of course, just want to know what to look for.”

"For now, you are attached to my hip. If I can, I will explain later, right now we are under a microscope.”

 

Chapter 0250

“Okay.” | smile at him “I can't wait to meet everyone | haven't yet.” | pull back speaking at a more standard level. “

You said there are a few really important people | haven't had the pleasure.”

He smiles back and catches on to what I'm doing. We can't look like we are just being secretive, no matter what the rumors are supposed to be. Out of the corner of my eye | see a few heads turn to blatantly look at us, others were

Straightening ties or smoothing out clothing. It appears that mates came to the ball tonight and some look absolutely pleasant and others look just as snobby and pretentious as the men they are with. | take a deep breath and have to mentally ready myself for this battle. | can either let them get to me and stress me out with their intimidation tactics or | can have fun and kill them with kindness and logic and common sense. | took a deep breath and decided the second one is going to be way more fun. |

| eat and enjoy the conversation between Xander and Luna Anne. Of course, just when | am losing myself in the conversation things have to change and bring me back to the reality of what is in front of me. The low hum of polite conversations start to become louder with excitement as the ball itself is getting ready to begin.

The Omegas clear our plates and Alpha Reggie stands and helps Luna Anne to her feet. Xander soon follows, mimicking the motion with me. The four of us walk out to the dance floor and a realization hits me.

“Xander, | can't dance, like at all.” 1 look at him with wide eyes, a little panicky.

“You know how to move, right?* | nod in agreement. “And you can follow movements, right.” Again | nod, not really sure where he’s going with this. “Then follow my lead, | got you.” | nod again, my heart is hammering in my chest. I'm not nervous to dance with him, really, but in front of all these people is nerve wracking. I’m not loving all the stupid rituals and pomp and circumstance that goes with being a part of the royal family. This is ridiculous.

We take our places and the orchestra starts to play. Xander begins to move the both of us effortlessly. I’m glad he knows what he is doing. | don't take my eyes off of him and his soft supportive look helps me relax a bit and just go with it, but | don’t dare look around. If | made eye contact with anyone, especially the females | can practically feel staring daggers at me, | would probably do something stupid like trip us both. So my eyes stay fixed.

“| wish the warriors would let me have the Elite brand, just so | could mindlink you. It would be so much easier to have a conversation and for you to tell me all about some of these people and who to look out for.” | whisper low enough

for him to hear. “But, Warrior Osiston wants me to wait until next year at the earliest. It would just be helpful in situations like these.”

“I'll talk to dad, you're right it would be helpful, and who knows they may want you on missions sooner. The brand is a ceremony that takes time, that’s probably one of the reasons they want you to wait, so you get the full experience.”

“After all of this, | could care less about the ceremonies and rituals that go with it. It seems like the ceremonies and rituals are really just designed to showcase the important people in attendance, not really on the people going through it.”

“You're not wrong...” Before he can finish what he was going to say red nails slide over the back of his shoulder and we both stop moving, but Xander doesn't let go of me. Infact he pulls me a little closer.