My Own Destiny

Dinner Guests

I was nervous all day. I was allowed to skip my usual studies today since we had the DePonts coming to dinner. I still choose to train with Lucian as usual, but I will say, after last night, Lucian was different. He was quieter and almost sullen. I had asked him if he was okay, and he brushed me off like everything was normal, but something was off.

Lucian still planned to meet me at my suite ten minutes before dinner to accompany me into the dining room. I was so nervous and didn’t want to walk in alone. With my luck, I would trip over my own feet and cause a scene.

I dressed in a silky black dress that was tight fitting and went down just passed my knees with a split up the back of the skirt. The top went straight across my chest and had tiny spaghetti straps. I opted for something with close to no cleavage yet showing off my curves. Last thing I wanted was for my mate to be to think I flaunted my body around for all to see.

I wore a pair of black open toed heels since I was only 5’3 and knew Jullian to be 6’3 I opted for a higher heel than usual. I had on a pair of simple black onyx earrings that hung just a little off my earlobe along with a matching necklace that had onyx and diamonds.

I had my nails done a deep red the previous day and my toes matched. My hair had extra products, helping give it a nice shiny wave. I left my deep auburn hair down to flow freely. Freshy cut, it was now a bit above my waist and the front and sides framed my face just right. I used just a bit more make-up than I normally would wear to dinner but wanted to be sure I looked perfect.

While messing with a few strands of my hair, I heard a knock on my door. I took a deep breath and moved to leave. I felt like I had butterflies in my stomach as I opened the door.

Lucian stood in my doorway, his eyes traveled over my body, making me feel self-conscious before he gave me a big smile.

“You look absolutely exquisite.”

I could feel heat creep into my cheeks from the look Lucian was giving me.

“Thank you.” I said sweetly, “You look handsome tonight.”

Lucian put a little extra effort into his appearance tonight, not that he needed to. Lucian was always handsome with his shoulder-length chocolate brown hair and caramel colored eyes. And those dimples were to die for, when he smiled, he could make any she-wolf melt.

I was not sure if the extra effort was because we had guests or he just wanted to make sure he looked as good or better than Jullian.

Lucian held his arm out for me to link my arm with his and we made our way to the sitting room that was attached to the dining room. We were to have drinks and hors-d’oeuvre first.

When we entered the room, I noticed almost everyone was here except for my brother and Brutus.

I saw Natalia sitting in the corner sipping a non-alcoholic drink. She had on a simple summer dress, almost no make-up and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She still looked amazing, but it gave her a much younger look. I was puzzled by her appearance. When she noticed she had my attention, she mind-linked me.

‘Tonight is about you meeting your mate, I’m trying to just blend into the background.’

I tried not to frown, my sister and I often got on each other’s nerves but I was touched she was thinking of someone other than herself, although she was much too young for Jullian.

‘Think you.’ I mind-linked back, I know she meant well.

“Ahhh, here she is.” My father announced, offering me an outstretched hand.

My father was standing in a group with some other males, I recognized Jullian right away. He looked just like the pictures I had seen of him, with his light brown hair, almost looking like it had some golden streaks woven in, maybe from the sun. I knew he enjoyed spending time outdoors. When he turned to me his blue eyes had an icy stare. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Mia didn’t say anything but I felt her stand to attention, she was on edge and I was torn between trying to decipher the look in Jullian’s eyes and trying to figure out what was up with my wolf. Usually, she has something to say. Jullian was very attractive, and Mia always liked to comment on good looking males.

“This is my daughter Aurora.” My father pulled me towards him. “This is Alpha Jacques DePont.” My father motioned towards the older of the two males. “And, of course, this is Alpha Jullian.”

Jacques let out a hardy laugh, “He’s not Alpha yet, but someday soon.” He clasped his hand on Jullian's shoulder.

Jullian smiled, but it did not make it to his eyes.

Our Beta Bernard and Gamma Lucus were also standing in the group of males.

I gave a small curtsy and bowed my head in respect.

“It is nice to meet you both.” I forced a smile, not sure what to make of them yet.

‘What did you expect, to walk into the room and have him run up to you, sweeping you off your feet like a lovesick pup?” Mia finally spoke up.

‘Of Course not, but the way he looks at me is unsettling.’

I heard a low growl from Mia, ‘He’s picturing us without our clothing on right now.’

I mentally rolled my eyes, making Mia laugh.

My mother walked into the room to join us,

“I see you have all met.” She had a big smile on her face. I could not help but wonder if it was this awkward when she and my father met.

“Dinner will be served shortly.” She added.

Jacques gave a slight grin, “You are so well organized. We have visited many packs over the years and have never had such gracious hosts.” He turned towards me.

“I see your parents did well in raising you to be a proper Luna, so polite.”

I smiled; Alpha seemed polite enough. “Thank you, Alpha.”

“Hopefully you will rub off a little on my boy here.” Jacques nodded towards Jullian, who did not react to his father's comment.

Neither were dressed as we were for dinner. Alpha Jacques wore black pants and a plain long sleeved forest green tight-fitting shirt. Jullian, on the other hand, wore jeans and a tight black t-shirt.

My brother and Brutus arrived. “We are all set. Tomorrow you will join us for training and then lunch and a tour of our territory.”

I was glad to hear they were filling the time; I wasn’t sure how I felt at the thought of being alone with Jullian yet.

“Splendid.” Jacques clapped his hands.

I could see Nate watching me, sensing my unease, he moved closer to stand beside me.

They all made small talk and I just stood there like an i***t with nothing to say. I just wanted to crawl inside a hole and die.

I was so relieved when the Omega came in saying dinner was about to be served.

As we made our way into the dining room, Lucian mind linked me.

‘Aurora, what is wrong?’

I tried to not make it look obvious I was talking with someone. ‘Just a little awkward. I am sure it will be fine.’

We sat in our normal seats, except Alpha Jacques sat beside my father and Lucian sat across from me so Jullian could sit beside me.

During the dinner conversation, Jacques mentioned he was happy to see such a large family.

“Its not often you see two or more offspring these days, many couples are lucky to have one.”

My mother looked at each of us, “They were each a blessing. We were going to stop at two but then my little Natalia came along.”

My sister rolled her eyes at my mother, making everyone laugh.

“I would have liked to have more pups but Clairece, Jullian’s mother had issues during childbirth. We tried healers but they all said it would be unlikely she would bare any more children, then several years later she was killed.”

There were a few ‘oh we are so sorry.’

“Hopefully it’s a good sign that you will be able to help fill our pack house with lots of pups. Since your mother was able to provide three pups.” It took me a moment to realize Jacques was talking to me.

I felt like my face paled. I could see Lucian and my sister took notice of my reaction.

“Oh, don’t worry dad, we will get right on that.” Jullian said in a low voice, making my head snap around, looking at him in surprise. It was the first time I heard him speak and that is what he had to say.

Jullian just gave me a smirk and let his eyes travel down my body. I was so happy to be sitting and found myself uncomfortably crossing my arms, like to hide as much of my body as I could.

Everyone laughed, like it was funny. This male I had just met was talking about getting me pregnant and they laughed like it was funny!

Jacques leaned forward, “Oh don’t worry darling, I want you to have time for everything to wear in before you start pumping those little pups out.” Again, there were little laughs from some, like this was all so amusing.

I glanced towards Lucian and noticed him glaring at Jullian who still wore a smirk as he placed a chunk of roast in his mouth.

The conversation went back to more normal, boring topics after that, thank the Goddess.

Once dinner was done, my father started talking about the plans for tomorrow again.

“Training is at 7:00 am sharp, it will be out on the field. We train until 10:00 am. After that you’ll have a chance to freshen up, we will have lunch and a tour. Later we can let the pups go to dinner, have a little time alone, to get to know each other.”

Crap, dinner just Julian and I.

“Where is a good place to go?” Jullian asked.

Everyone looked at me, making me squirm in my seat.

“Why do you not go to town? Aurora knows a few good restaurants in town. That is if you don’t mind commingling with humans.” My father added.

“That will be fine.” I could see Jullian’s smirk back as he watched me, liking my discomfort, so I had to stop this and force myself to relax.

“There is a great little Italian place or a steak and seafood place.” I gave a polite smile. “Do you have a preference?” I asked,

I could see Julian searching my face, “I will let you decide.”

We held eye contact for a bit longer and I wondered if maybe he felt just as awkward as I did about this whole situation.

Dinner was finally over. “Well who is up for a night cap?” My father offered.

“Thought you’d never ask,” Jacques replied.

The males all stood and Jullian stayed seated with us females.

“Jullian, you joining us?”

I felt his eyes on me again.

“I think I’d like Aurora to show me the training grounds, so we know where to go in the morning.”

I glanced at the male that sat beside me, watching my every movement.

“Can’t wait to see you on the training field.”

I couldn’t help the frown that appeared on my face.

“Oh, I don’t train.”

I saw his face change from playful to full of irritation.

“Why not, do you not think you should be able to protect yourself? What do you expect to be put in an ivory tower and let everyone else protect you?”

“Uh, no, I.”

My father quickly intervened. “We only had Aurora train until she was about ten. After that, we decided to have her focus on her studies to become Luna.”

Jullian had a look almost like disgust. “Studies to become a Luna? It can’t be that hard, studying to be a Luna for ten years yet not being able to defend yourself?”

“Now, now son, relax, we will be sure to train Aurora once she is with us.”

My mother chimed in. “Being a proper Luna takes a lot more knowledge than most realize. Aurora is well versed in pack politics, protocol, healing herbs…”

“Look, I mean no disrespect.” Jullian leaned forward, looking at my mother, “I am sure that is all important to you and all, but all I need my Luna to know how to do is please her Alpha, raise the pups appropriately and defend herself should we be attacked. My mother was killed by Rogues when I was eleven. If she knew how to defend herself, she might still be with us.”

Julilian looked at me, giving me a challenging look, “I want you on that training field tomorrow morning at 7:00 am just like the rest of us.”

I gave a small nod, “I’d be more than happy to join.”

My father looked like he was ready to puke from the stress. My mother, I could tell, was offended. I however, was finally thinking, maybe Jullian isn’t so bad. Yes, he wanted me to perform my mate duties and have pups but he wanted me to be able to fight. I liked that. I never wanted to be placed on a pedal stool. Now was my chance to take a more active role in the pack.

‘Maybe this Jullian isn’t as bad as I thought.’ Mia said thoughtfully.

‘Maybe not.’ I replied with a smile.

Jullian stood and held his hand out for me to take, “Please, show me to the training field.”