The Abused and Rejected Tribrid Luna Queen

The Yule Ball

Slade

    The Silver Crescent pack was a small pack to the east. I wasn't thrilled about the agreement I had entered with the council to attend the Yule Ball, and I was even less thrilled to be attending to some podunk pack. I had learned over the years that the smaller packs were more likely to push their daughters on me. Even when I was just a Prince, the thought of having their daughters tied to the royal family sent them into a frenzy.

    "The motorcade is waiting," Zeke said, popping his head into my quarters and pulling me from my thoughts. "Your tux is in the car; we will have time to get ready when we arrive."

    Climbing into my limo, I felt a tad guilty at the relief over Zeke not having a mate yet. It meant I wouldn't be forced to endure the ball alone, but I also knew how lonely it made my Beta. Knowing that I would have a mate soon, whether my true mate or a chosen, I said a silent prayer that my Beta found his among the wolves that would be in attendance. I may have shelved my desire to have a mate, but I didn't want my oldest friend to be lonely as I was forced into a marriage.

    Travel to Silver Crescent territory was uneventful, and within a few hours, we pulled up to the ornate packhouse. I couldn't help the snort that escaped me upon seeing the ridiculous decadence of the place. It was clear the Alpha thought highly of himself, building a home for his warriors to rival the palace.

    "No time like the present." Zeke grinned beside me, nodding toward the wolves lining the steps to the house waiting for us.

    Steeling myself for the onslaught, I exited the limo and strode toward them. The omegas along the stairs were dressed smartly in white blouses and black slacks. A handful of the males bowed deeply before breaking away to retrieve our luggage. It wasn't unusual for the Yule Ball to run late into the night, requiring guests to stay till the following day. The Alpha of the pack bowed deeply and moved to extend his hand for me to shake.

    "Your majesty, it is my great honor to host you." He beamed. "If I may, allow me to introduce my son, William."

    A dour-looking boy stepped forward and bowed, extending his hand in the same manner as his father. Fighting the urge to roll my eyes, I shook his hand before turning my attention back to the Alpha.

    "Alpha, I appreciate your hospitality. I hope my presence isn't too great a burden for your Luna."

    The man grimaced before relaxing his face into a more neutral mask. "I regret that my Luna passed some years back, and I haven't been blessed to find a second chance mate."

    His demeanor betrayed the part he hadn't said allowed. My subjects hadn't seen me since the coronation, and the Alpha hoped that my presence would entice unmated wolves who otherwise wouldn't have attended to visit his small pack. It was clear he had hoped to find his second chance among them. A few of the more powerful packs would take chosen mates to form alliances and enhance their already formidable power. Still, I suspected they would be in attendance to take the measure of me if for nothing else.

    "My deepest condolences, Alpha." I said, my mother's lessons in manners taking over. "If you would be so kind as to have one of your people lead us to our rooms, I'm certain you have many more guests to greet."

    "Of course, sire."

    The man bowed deeply again before gesturing for an older woman to step forward and take the lead. Her lips were pressed in a stern line, giving the distinct impression of displeasure though her voice held a kind note. It was clear the man had provided my party with his head omega to cater to our needs.

    "I couldn't help noticing you didn't get the Alpha's name." Zeke chuckled once we had been deposited in our rooms.

    "No matter. I have no sister for him to be mated to; I'll probably never see that man again after tonight."

    Zeke snorted in disapproval. "What would your father say about you dismissing any Alpha within the kingdom like that?"

    Tilting my head slightly, I studied my friend. Other than the advisers, he was the only one who dared speak to me so plainly. Usually, I was glad to hear his thoughts. We had grown up together knowing that I would wear the crown one day, and he would stand beside me as Beta, which created a bond of brotherhood between us. The ball and everything my agreement to attend entailed had left my mood soured, and I had no desire to hear anything Zeke had to say that wasn't in accord with my own thoughts.

    "My father isn't King," I replied dryly. "If he were, I wouldn't be here. So tell me again, why should I bother with some Alpha I will never see again?"

    Zeke raised his eyebrows at my tone but held his tongue. I could see the gears in his head turning while he fought to keep from saying what he wanted to say. My tone had been clear; press the issue at your own risk, and my friend wasn't stupid enough to push it.

    "Regardless," He spoke finally. "The omega said they will be serving a light meal on the first floor to tide people over until the ball. I suggest we take advantage of it; you're not going to have much time to eat once things get underway."

    "Fine. I want to rest a bit first; come get me when it's time."

    Zeke left the room without another word. I strolled to the en suite bathroom and washed my face. The drive hadn't been long, but I was already exhausted by the forced pleasantries. I wasn't sure how I would manage an entire night of polite greetings with people I barely cared to speak to. What I wanted was to be reviewing the documents that had been left on my desk for when I returned. A new lead on my parents' attacker had surfaced, and everything in me wanted to be following up on it.

    Exiting the bathroom, I eyed the king-sized bed suspiciously. The Alpha had clearly gone to great lengths to make himself look respectable. Even at a distance, I could tell the bedding was of the highest quality, something he would have needed to import and recently. Making up my mind, I settled back on the feathery soft bed and closed my eyes. I knew sleep wouldn't come, but unless I wanted to mingle, there was nothing else for me to do.

    I let my mind wander back to my meeting with Gregory. The one that had led to my presence at the Yule Ball. With my Beta's advice, and that of his father, in mind, I had allowed myself to be coerced into a ridiculous agreement. I would either find my true mate tonight or begin to court one of the daughters chosen for me by the council. Unsurprisingly, Gregory had presented his niece as the first alternative.

    Her name was Janet, a petite and attractive female to be sure, but there was something about her picture that lent the impression that she would be a dangerous match. Even in the candid photographs, he had presented, the woman carried the look of someone constantly plotting. I had barely resigned myself to having to spend a few weeks with her when Zeke knocked on the door to inform me it was time to eat.

    We were greeted by the omega that had shown us our rooms at the entrance of the pack dining hall. She led us to a raised table meant for honored guests before instructing one of the kitchen omegas to present the food. An array of fruits and meats was made available, with wine meant to relax the party-goers. I effectively managed a mouthful when anyone drew near enough to attempt to speak to me. After an appropriate amount of time, I excused myself to change into my tux. The ball would begin soon, with dinner served after the first round of dancing.

    I dressed slowly. Each minute that ticked by was one less I had to spend in the crowded ballroom. Clasping my cuff links in place, I ran my hands through my short mop of curls and settled my crown on my head. A once over in the bathroom mirror told me I looked every bit the regal king, even if I didn't feel like it. Unable to find any reason for further delay, I made my way to the bathroom.

    I had to admit the place looked fantastic. Round tables lined the outside of a dance floor; a large fur tree was off near the stage decorated to the nines. The space was a mix of comfort and elegance that was mildly breathtaking.

    "Not bad for a small pack, eh?" Zeke breathed, clapping me on the shoulder. "The Alpha and his men are waiting for us on stage."

    Strolling purposefully through the room, I ignored the stares to join our host on stage. He greeted me kindly before guiding me to the ornate chair meant to act as my throne while I presided over the ball. I sat with my back straight, scanning the crowd while wolves filed in and began to take their seats. The room was filled with excited chatter when the Alpha stepped forward with a microphone in hand.

    "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to welcome you as your host for this year's Yule Ball. Without any further ado, I would humbly like to invite our beloved King to open with the first dance of the night."

    I kept my face blank as I stood from my seat and moved to leave the stage. The Alpha had no Luna, nor had he any daughters, so protocol dictated that I danced with the next highest-ranked female of the pack. My eyes landed on a tall brunette waiting for me at the foot of the steps to the stage. Stopping before her, she curtsied, and I bowed before extending my hand and leading her to the dance floor.

    "I'm Caroline." She breathed. "I'm honored to share this dance with you, your majesty."

    "And I with you." I replied automatically just as the music started.

    I lead the girl through the traditional waltz before depositing her back with her father. Knowing that I would be required to dance with any female who asked, I didn't bother returning to my seat on the stage. I had slow danced with at least three dozen she-wolves, nursing glasses of champagne during any fast songs to avoid the displeasure of having them grind on me like a b***h in heat. The DJ signaled the next slow song was about to start, and I caught sight of yet another unmated female marching my way with a determined look on her face.

    "I need to use the restroom," I called to Zeke over the music. "Handle my dance card for me, will ya?"

    Zeke grinned, stepping in the path of the woman as I slipped away to the bathroom. At least my Beta seemed to be enjoying himself. I caught sight of his grin over my shoulder as he whirled the woman onto the dance floor. The bathroom was peacefully quiet compared to the noise of the ballroom. I fought the urge to hide away in one of the stalls for the rest of the night, opting to relieve my aching bladder and wash my hands instead.

    I had just stepped from the sanctuary of the bathroom when I smelled it. The scent of roses flooded my nostrils, and Fang began to go crazy inside my mind. Sniffing the air, my body turned toward the smell. A few yards away stood a small girl struggling to remove a filled trash bag from one of the many cans that lined the room.

    "Mine!" Fang's voice mingled with mine the moment we laid eyes on her.

    Dropping the bag, her small fist pressed tightly against her lips, but the word had already squeaked out. Her eyes cut to me, filled with panic, and she turned away as if to run. Fang was having none of it. He forced me forward to close the short distance between us, and my hand reached out on instinct to grab her arm. Pulling gently, I turned her toward me and saw what had made her want to run. Her face was battered, her eyes swollen to near uselessness, fresh bruising creeping from beneath her collar starting who knew where. Someone had gone to great lengths to obscure any beauty she had beneath damage and bruises.

    "Who?" I demanded, barely able to contain my own rage, let alone Fang's.

    She shook her head violently, refusing to provide me a name.

    "If you won't tell me, I will make someone give me the answers I need." I snarled.

    I released her arm, pulling her into my side as gently as I could, and guided her toward the dance floor. I was going to have my answers, and whoever had decided to harm my mate would find their end at my hands before the night was over.