The Alpha's Daughter

Chapter 3: Dinner, Dance and Desire

Alpha Barton was shaking Luca's hand, wishing him a happy birthday celebration, and strength for his first shift when Summer first felt his power. She stepped forward subconsciously, lifting her hand to him. Luca didn't seem to notice the electricity coming from him, he had returned the greeting with a good natured but well worth response, and shifted his attention to the Beta and his daughter, Savannah.

Alpha Barton took Summer's hand and brushed his lips against it before locking eyes with her. There it was again, the jolt of electricity, now far more intense. Summer was shaken. Alpha Barton released her hand, turning to her father who had been yammering away self importantly.

"... still unmated, you know, and your companion for the evening. I've promised her to Alpha Marco for tomorrow's festivities, but tonight she's all yours."

Summer caught the last sentence her father said and it gave her an unexpected thrill, and dread for the following day.

"Well, Summer, I'm delighted to have so lovely a companion for the evening. I should offer to escort you in, however, as it's you're home..."

Alpha Barton held his arm out to Summer, who took it graciously, though she was becoming rather lightheaded from the electricity emanating from Barton. Her body was reacting to it in rather embarrassing fashion, given her wore no bra to hide her stiffening n*****s. She couldn't help but wonder if everyone was feeling it - certainly Alpha Barton wasn't getting the attention this power deserved.

They were getting some attention, however, particularly that of Alpha Marco, who was growling, his canines still bared, and now his nails elongated to claws. His gaze followed the snapping lace design which wove over her n*****s and pelvis, and was all that preserved Summer's modesty. Summer paled under that hungry gaze, and her dread or the following day grew. She was not aware what festivities were being held tomorrow, but Alpha Marco couldn't be a pleasant companion no matter the activity.

Alpha Barton escorted Summer to the table reserved for the Alpha's and their families. She was seated between her father and Alpha Barton. Summer knew her father would have kept her close to ensure she was obvious enough in her flirtation.

As she let go of Alpha Barton's arm, Summer felt some of that electric energy dissipate. To be honest, it was something of a relief. Summer caught her breath, took a sip of water, and took in the hall for a moment. The decorators had outdone themselves.

The large hall easily housed the 200 wolves present on large, heavy dark wooden tables with matching high backed, hand carven wooden chairs. The chairs featured wolves hunting in packs, fighting over territory, mating, howling to the moon and running through the trees. Each was beautiful and unique. The floor was a lighter shade of wooden floorboards. Heavy purple drapes hung over large windows, and across the exposed ceiling beams thousands of twinkle lights shone, illuminating the hall.

Purple, silver and black balloons decorated an arch artistically, with a neon sign behind it reading, "Happy 18th Luca". There was a champagne fountain set up, a huge cake with marbled icing, and dessert bar. This was just the first day of festivities, though in truth, it would be the most formal, save for the night of Luca's actual birthday. The dance floor was currently bare, but Summer knew Luca planned on dancing with as many of his prospective mates as possible, and their pack members wouldn't let it remain desolate after the main close had arrived.

Alpha Jack's booming voice drew the attention of the hall, and the rumbling chatter quickly gave way to silence. "Welcome Alphas, Betas and members of my own 'Lunar Claw' pack. This week is momentous in our packlands and those of our allies - my firstborn son and heir, Luca Denson will come of age, meet his wolf and feel the true power and joy of his first shift!

"We gather this week to celebrate all it is to be werewolf - including our most sacred bonds, that of mate. Luca will discover the identity of his fated mate, if she is of age, 6 days hence. Son, I envy you the first discovery of your future Luna. Revel in the delights of our powerful species, and let the festival of Luca begin!"

Alpha Jack howled in human form as a signal, and servers immediately appeared. Alpha Jack was served first, by a she wolf wearing feathers over her bust and in her hair. Similarly clad servers then served Luca and the remaining Alphas, their Luna's and Luna Ella, the present sons of Alphas, followed by the Betas, and their sons. Last at the Alpha table served were the daughters and Betas mates. Finally after the Alpha table was eating, the rest of the hall were served, with no formal heirarchy.

Alpha Jack was discussing with his son, who sat better Alpha Jack and Luna Ella, the various prospective mates he'd met, together they were ranking their suitability and desirability. Jack's laughter was raucous as he joked with his son.

Summer was attempting to follow her father's none too subtle assertion that she charm Alpha Barton, but truly she was still somewhat unsure of how to proceed. She had no idea what she had felt - she'd asked her wolf, who had no answer beyond that it was power. Summer's wolf was equal parts fearful and intrigued. She was certain this wasn't the mate bond, but it was almost as strong, and Summer's wolf was certain only they felt it.

"Alpha Barton, thank you for joining us. The festivities should be grand, I don't know what my father had planned for the rest of the week, but I know he's spared no expense."

"Summer, do you really wish to engage in a night of formal pleasantries? Would that truly delight you?"

Summer was surprised by the question, but she laughed lightly and smiled,

"I have been told only to entertain you, Alpha Barton. Perhaps it would better entertain you to discuss this?"

Summer laid her hand boldly on Alpha Barton's arm, letting the wave of electric tingles pass over her again, her eyes half closing for a moment in response. She hoped he didn't think her insane, that he felt it too, and moreover that he knew the source.

"What does it mean?"

Alpha Barton's response was serious, and he locked eyes with Summer, "I don't know, in truth, but I intend to confirm my suspicions. It definitely means something - I've never felt anything like it before. Have you?"

Summer shook her head in response, and couldn't keep her fingers from trembling slightly as they rested on the back of Alpha Barton's wrist. She'd hardly eaten the delicious food before her, but Summer had no appetite. Nevertheless she gestured at Barton's untouched plate, then picks up her knife and fork, breaking their contact as she continued to pick at the food.

Alpha Jack leaned in, telling her she was a good girl, but he expected her to be a lot more physical on the dance floor. Originally that would've disgusted Summer, but she felt a shiver of excitement. She nodded mutely to her father, and he patted her thigh in approval.

The low growl from Alpha Barton was barely discernable - even with his Alpha hearing, Summer suspected Alpha Jack hasn't heard over the loud hall. Summer tensed in surprise, however, looking at him and following his gaze to her father's hand. Summer was accustomed to his inappropriateness, but she realised his hand was still there, and higher on her thigh than was reasonable for the familial affection.

Alpha Barton stood, despite the dinner still being on the table, not standing on proprietary. He took Summer's hand and pulled her from the chair, out of her father's grasp. He wanted nothing more than to slip away with her, and place his hand in the same location, high on her thigh to feel the heat of her, but he instead less her to the dance floor.

Confused musicians changed from the soft melody they'd been strumming to a waltz, and Luca stood, bellowing to the hall, "I cannot be beaten to the dancefloor by my sister on my birthday celebrations! A dance for every lady who wishes one, but it must begin with Cecilia!"

Summer breathed a sigh of relief as her brother took the spotlight. All of the hall was fixated on him and his companions, he had the status and power, and was indeed the man of the hour - or week, as it were.

As Luca and Cecelia commanded the dance floor, several mated couples took to the floor also, leaving Summer and Alpha Barton just one of the crowd. Delicately, he held her as though she was light as air, and together they danced, but at a distance.

Alpha Barton leaned in closer, pulling her gently into his arms until he could whisper to her,

"Come with me, where other eyes cannot see us. Three Alphas aside from me haven't taken their eyes off you all night, and it's making me senseless with rage."