Madeline heard a knock on the door.,, You may come in. "she said. As the door opened, she saw a very excited Martha. She started smiling, but before she could say anything, Martha burst.,, He is fantastic, such a good-looking man and what a smile and a true gentleman. I could barely say something to the poor man when he shook my hand..." her expression changed and she continued while Madeline was watching her with raised eyebrows.,, Can you imagine what a bad impression I made?? Ohhh, what he must think of me???" she said and she threw herself onto the bed in disappointment.
Madeline smiled.,, I am sure he is aware of the impression he makes on the ladies if he gets these reactions" she said.
Martha bolted to her feet.,, Ha, ha, ha. Very funny. I am talking about his Beta, Roan. I hardly remember the King. " They both looked at each other for a second and burst into laughter.
,, So you have a crush on his Beta. Do we know something about him?" Madeline asked.
,, Well, he did not have the marking on his wrist, so he doesn't have a mate. I have heard my father say that he and the King grew up together, that must put him at around 34-35 years old. He had the best smile in the world and his voice is a sweet melody... "
,, Are you sure he is not your mate?"
,, Oh, how I'd wish. It is funny how I was rejecting the marriage idea just a few hours ago and now I am contemplating it. "
,, Well, we could give it a try.... I can be very discreet, but very efficient at the same time... " Madeline offered to help Martha.
,,I will be forever in your debt!! You will get to meet him tomorrow and let me know what you think. I should go get some rest, we have a long day tomorrow and with the mating party, we have to look well-rested. Good night Madeline! "
,, I agree. Good night dear Martha." They hugged and Madeline found herself deep in thoughts of what tomorrow would be like. For the first time, she didn't want to take part in any of the dinners, parties, and whatnot. She quickly brushed all those thoughts away and reminded herself whose daughter she was and that she had the duty to be her best version as a member of the Alpha's family.
When she woke up the next day the sun was shining and her mood was much better than last night. After a quick shower, she got dressed, combed her hair into a high ponytail, and went down to grab some breakfast. She found out that her father had already left with his guests for a tour of the town and her mother was dealing with the last details of the party. She had a busy day ahead of herself, helping Luna Gabriella with a few errands she didn't trust anyone else to do, then she had to come back home because the hairdresser and make-up artists would be here for her and Martha.
,, Chop, chop! " she said to herself and as she was exiting the kitchen, Erica appeared out of nowhere and was smirking like she won the Nobel prize.
,, Where to, Princess?" she asked.
,, Up your as*, Princess! " Madeline replied while taking a bite out of her apple.
,, Very lady-like. I honestly don't know what people see in you. I mean look at.... " but Madeline interrupted her.,, It is not your concern what they see in me. You should worry about the fact that they do not like you and try to improve your situation, instead of making it worse." and before Erica could say anything else, Madeline left. She could hear her throw a fit and yelling something about her, but she didn't care. Erica was an orphan girl and Madeline could understand many aspects of her life, but her mean attitude, was not one of them, especially when she hadn't provoked any of it.
When she walked out the door she bumped into Martha.,, Good morning sunshine! "
,, Good morning Martha. We are late, let's go!" They hopped into Madeline's car and went into town. It was very busy, especially today when there was such a big celebration. Along the way they got a cup of coffee to get them going.
,, I hope my dress is there when we get back. "Madeline said as she sipped a little hot coffee.,, Oh, this is divine. I didn't get a chance to have some at breakfast."
,, I am nervous about tonight. I couldn't sleep all night, only a little in the morning. " Martha confessed.
,, Because of Roan?"
,, Yes! I asked my father if he would let me marry if I find a nice guy and he said he would let me do whatever it takes for me to be happy. "
,, Well... then you have to make something happen tonight."
,, I felt he liked me, now I have only to confirm it... "
,, I just realized that if you marry him, you will be miles away..." Madeline said.
,, I never thought of that.... "Martha replied.
,, Let's see what happens tonight and we will think about it after that. If he is what you want and you are what he wants, I will be the first person to encourage your marriage, even if it meant that I get to lose you. Your happiness is beyond anything else. " Madeline concluded.
,, You are my best friend ever! I love you!" Martha exclaimed.
,, I love you too! Now let's get going. "
,, Ohh! Did you see the time? We should have been back at the villa by now!" Martha exclaimed.
,, Shoot. You go first, they can start on you, I will wrap this up and hurry back."
,, OK. Don't be very late."
When she finally got back to the villa, Madeline's dress was already in her room and so were the make-up crew and hairdresser who were finishing with Martha.
,, Wow! You look beautiful! " Madeline exclaimed.
,, Thank you, I feel beautiful! " Martha replied.
By the time she got out of the shower, they were ready to work on her. They were the most coveted team and Madeline had them on speed-dial. They were always happy and grateful that she chose them, apart from the huge paycheck they would be receiving, they would gain lots of wealthy clients.
Smokey eyes, glossy lips, and soft pink cheeks were the perfect combination to emphasize her natural beauty. The hairstylist put her hair up in an elegant, yet simple bun, which highlighted Madeline's sapphire encrusted headband and revealing her matching earrings. Next was the dress. She chose a champagne-colored tulle dress which was floor-length and strapless. From the neck, down to the waist, and the sleeves, there was a single layer of tulle overlaying and it was covered with a simple and delicate lace design. Madeline put on her golden high heel sandals and she was ready!
,, How do I look? " she asked, but Madeline could see it on their faces before any of them could answer. She was perfect. Martha rushed in, all dressed up in a long satin blue dress that was hugging her slim figure.,, Whooooa. You look gorgeous!! This is not a mating party, it is Madeline's party!!! I am sure not a single male out there, mated or not, will be able not to sneak you some serious looks!!" Martha exclaimed. The others agreed by nodding.
,, Thank you! I am sure my father would have liked a less revealing dress, but when you find the perfect one it is hard to stay away. " she replied smiling.,, Thank you for your service, I am very pleased with the way my hair and make-up are, and I think Martha looks fabulous too, you don't disappoint!" After saying their goodbyes to the teams, Madeline and Martha started to make their way to the party.
,, Everybody made their entrance and the party started. The good news is we can go in through the open west wing door, rather than the stairs, and draw everybody's attention. " Martha suggested.
Before Madeline could answer they saw two men in tuxedoes who appeared lost.
,, Excuse me." said Madeline.,, I am sorry if I am wrong, but you seem lost... ". The men turned around and their eyes widened when they saw the two women standing in front of them. They were tall and had handsome features. Madeline thought that one of them must have a higher rank than the other and right she was.
,, I am Alpha Tate Grayson of the Moon Fire Pack. This is my Beta, Ian Peters. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss.... "
Madeline slightly bowed her head, being of Alpha descend she needn't bow all the way like other ranks did, a thing Alpha Tate immediately recognized.,, I am Madeline Atken, daughter of Alpha Frederick Atken of the Dark Moon Pack. This is Martha Williams, Gamma Owen Williams' daughter. The pleasure is all ours. " she replied. He kissed her hand and continued.
,, I wasn't aware Alpha Frederick had a daughter. And a very beautiful one at that!".he said surprised.
Madeline politely smiled.
,, Thank you for the compliment! I am most flattered! We were heading to the mating party, would you by any chance be headed that way?" she asked.
,, Yes, as a matter of fact, we were." Alpha Tate answered and offered Madeline his arm. She took it and decided they will make their entrance grand, down the stairs, not through the side door.