Layla Twist

Chp. 20 Objects

* Layla POV *

The whole shower images of the rogues from the cabin flooded my mind. Even with the water ice cold, my skin felt like it was on fire.

Stepping out I go to the closet to grab clothes.

Finishing getting dressed I hear a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Naomi walks in wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans.

"Are you ready for the dinner?" She sits down on the bed looking me up and down.

Seeing a nod of approval to the long grey dress I wore, my curly hair falling over my back.

"Almost." I fiddled with my fingertips before bringing up the rogues. "Am I supposed to act normal? Like nothing happened?"

She held a hand out for me, as a mother would I imagine. Taking her hand I sit down next to her.

"I understand it may seem we are acting 'normal', the whole pack is angry with what took place today." Her hazel eyes seemed to be searching mine as she spoke. "The pack will look for support from Barrett and You, seeing that your going to be our Luna tomorrow. Being calm doesn't mean we are going to ignore it. At dinner you will understand better."

Nodding in silence we sit for a minute.

"Well, I need to get ready for dinner." She stood up giving a charming smile."You look lovely. I'll see you downstairs."

"Thank you Naomi." Standing up as well I give her a hug. "I hope I can be a good Luna for the pack."

"Don't doubt yourself."

Leaving me in the room once again I take some time finding shoes that match the dress and putting a simple bit of makeup on.

She is right, don't doubt yourself Layla. Calista chimed happily to me.

Making my way out of the room I start towards the stairs.

Chatter can be heard through the house, the staircase was wide enough for 3 people to comfortably walk together. As I start to descend a man starts up the stairs grumbling to himself.

Feeling nervous for the crowd I overstep and start to fall forwards.

With a high pitch squeal I find myself bracing to hit the steps and tumble the whole way down.

Except, it didn't happen.

The strange grumpy man walking up caught me by the arms hoisting me up.

"Up you go." His deep raspy voice chuckled.

My face heats up with embarrassment. "Thank you, that's one way to meet someone."

"Alpha Trevin Fredrick." He announced. "It's no problem at all."

I don't like him, be careful. Calista tries to warn me.

I'm sure he is fine, he didn't let me fall down half the steps. Reasoning with her I see the man's pale blue eyes look me over.

"Layla." I offered a smile

"Layla," He tried out my name with an exaggerated A at the end. "And who do you belong to?"

Nevermind. I thought to myself.

"Excuse me?" Scoffing and taking two steps down I stay facing him. "I don't belong to anyone."

Trevin seemed amused by my sudden attitude.

"Lucky you. If you would like a high position in a pack I'm sure I can afford it."

"Alpha Fredrick." Drake spoke from the bottom of the stairs with Naomi by his side before I could scoff again. "This is Alpha Pines mate, Layla Twist."

"I wouldn't have thought, there is no mark on her neck." His attitude changed within seconds, going from amusement to frustration.

"Layla are you ready? Dinner will served shortly." Naomi spoke up, queuing my leave without another word spoken.

Once off the steps I mouth 'Thank you' to them both.

In the dinning hall multiple groups of people stood around the U shape table formation. Standing on the other side of the room Barrett seemed to be in a heated discussion with Danté, Naomi's mate.

I've met him once before, very quiet and closed off, he was third in command.

Walking closer the conversation ended.

"Layla, I heard about Alpha Fredrick." Barrett walked up giving me a hug. My stomach did flips as a electric spark ran across my skin. "He doesn't usually show up to any events, ignore his ignorance."

"Forgotten." Taking a seat I see Barrett que the room to be seated for dinner.

"Thank you all for joining me." His voice was confident and clear. "Nothing means more than allied packs to join us in announcing my Mate and Luna, Layla Twist."

Blushing under all the watchful eyes I see multiple different people nod along agreeing with his words.

"As you all know, today there was an attack by rogues." Whispers spread across the room. "No one was killed during this unprovoked act. But rest assured my pack is strong and will have answers for you soon, tomorrow will continue as planned. Please, enjoy the evening and rest from your travels."

As if signaled Omegas brought food in setting it up in front of Barrett and I first before the rest of our ranking members and guests.

"You look absolutely beautiful." Barrett looked me up and down before placing a kiss on my cheek, almost causing me to giggle like a kid in a candy shop.

Dinner was filled with laughter as stories from other packs were shared. Everyone was respectful and kind towards the staff, seeing as they brought out amazing food for everyone to enjoy.

Ignoring all my thoughts on escaping the crowds, I find myself looking towards the corner and see Alpha Fredrick staring right at me. Even Drake had noticed, he reassured me there was nothing to worry about.

Over 5 pairs of Alpha's with their Lunas filled the room, even a handful of their ranking members joined to eat. Even with all the company Alpha Fredrick was the only eyes to linger.

Why does he watch me like that? I asked Calista even though she knows as much as I.

Avoid him, I didn't like his mention on being able to 'afford' to give you a high position. She grumbled. He doesn't have good intentions.