I am Alpha

Chapter Six.

I entered the main hall on the arm of the Alpha from the top of the grand staircase.

We did not meet the Luna or Tyberius as I suspected we would. And I am not sure if it is appropriate to be on Alpha Theris' arm considering I am not family.

Xander and Jack are to either side of me trailing silently, though with the Alpha I am the safest I could be.

As we made our way down the steps, I made note of the guards at every entrance and the dozens that lined the wall. The grand hall was where we were to hold Parties as this one, one of the biggest and fanciest rooms in the entire palace, which led to a courtyard, that also had tents pitched, and three large fires burning hot on the center columns.

Everyone was enjoying the festivities, the live music, endless food and games and marketers set up, almost like a fair, set up around the edges of the giant, grand room. This will be where the Ball will be held as well.

Everyone that had been chattering, playing games or eating, now had their heads turning towards us. A slight quiet made it's way through the crowd as we made our way down the stairs as they watched. I wasn't sure what expression I should wear on my face, so I tried to remember how to smile gracefully like in lunas classes. The most graceful expression I could muster for the moment, considering I have never been the center of attention like this.

At this point I want to hurdle myself right off the ledge of the stairs and book it for the front doors, but instead I stayed. Continuing my decent.

Luna Mahlia is not anywhere in sight and neither is Tyberius. Strange considering he was the Alpha to-be and he should be seen by the masses. He should be the one walking at the Alpha's side. No instead I am being presented in his stead, but I do suppose the ball was being held in my honor.

"Happy birthday, by the way." The Alpha said, and we continued our graceful descent.

I don't say anything but look up at him. His face is stoic and proud, revealing nothing of his emotions underneath the surface. I look back at the crowd, a whisper of a smile on my face that that I did not mean to be there.

Alpha Theris was never nice. But he was never cruel either. Always business first with him, but he's never wished me a happy birthday with his words. Every year he would send a gift by messenger or up with the maids, usually something I suspected was bought by a maid as well, but I don't ever recall him telling me happy birthday.

For once I felt my Alpha was on my side. My brother-in-arms, so to speak. Instead of the usual; me actively working against him in his determination to keep me under lock and key, this time we work together.

I watch the people that watched me, some I recognize but they don't seem to recognize me, and if they do, their faces hold shocked expressions. I can understand why. Typically, I wore pants and a tunic, though the Luna would scold me for wearing them in public. And my hair was always tied back or in a nest of red curls that fell beneath my shoulders with thick bushy eyebrows that made me look just as wild as I was, if I managed to flee my cage.

Sometimes it made me look feral if I couldn't manage to escape it.

But now I shimmer and glow with some sort of magic that I wonder if the dress was doing it or maybe I was. Maybe my wolf would come today.

As we reached the floor, we rifled through the crowd; sometimes stopping, Alpha introducing me by just my first name instead of "Faire Omega" a name for orphaned children, and he'd call me the person of honor. I see Xander

This is all very prestigious. I feel made out more important than I ever have been before and it feels deceptive and wrong. my frown grows the more I am introduced to people.

A council member here, and Alpha or Beta there. Some bowed politely, taking my hand as a gesture of good faith. Some wished me a "very happy birthday" and thanked me for the invite, though I did not invite them. One or two looked at me with lust in their gaze, unabashed that my Alpha was at my side.

I nodded graciously and politely, and thanking for the birthday wishes. I was already exhausted and we have barely begun.

We got to our post at the Alpha and Luna's throne, the Luna Mahlia, already in her spot. she looks radiant, with her blonde hair wrapped around her head in a braided crown, a tiara of gold secured in it. Her soft features highlighted with light makeup, her ocean blue eyes with long lashes standing out starkly with the southern pale skin.

Tyberius standing at her left had a similar smile on his face, his seeming more disingenuous than is mothers. His short black hair is the only visage of the Alpha, every other feature on his face soft, derivative of his mother. He stands tall, 2 inches taller than me at 13. It was common for Male wolves to outgrow their female counterparts. And an Alpha's children tend to grow faster and stronger, due to just good breeding. The first born inherits the title from their Alpha, and the first born always happens to be male.

I guess the moon goddess is a misogynist.

Luna Mahlia nodded at me politely, as I took to stand by and slightly behind Tyberius, my normal place among the family, but Alpha stopped me, and gestured for me to stand at his left, mirroring Tyberius' stance by his mother.

The Luna watches as I take my place, then she looks to the Alpha, eyebrows furrowing. I can understand her confusion. To stand at the side of an Alpha should have been where Tyberius were to stand once the Alpha had arrived. He ignores her stares and claps his hands twice to make an announcement. A guards' man stands by with a pole and bangs it twice, echoing the Alpha's clap.

"Hello friends, family, and new acquaintances," He speaks with vigor and power, letting his aura reach the audience just a touch. "The Winter equinox has come, and our wolves are at their strongest today. As you have come to my court, you will adhere to my laws here. And as my guest you will all be under my protection. "

He pauses to let the words sink in and then continues, a buzz going about the room as people chatter amongst themselves quietly.

"The Ball we will be hosting tonight is very special indeed, as this beautiful, strong young lady will finally be presented to society. Faire of the Blood Moon pack." He gestures to me. I do not bow, but only lift my chin and the corner of my lips slightly.

"Today is her 19th birthday, and as it falls on the Winter Equinox, a mating ball seemed a perfect celebration for such a tremendous occasion. She will be accepting dances tonight if it suits her, but a fair warning-pun not intended." A bit of laughter hails from the audience "She does bite!" More laughs. "So eat! Drink! Enjoy! And let my staff know if you need anything!"

The crowd became a bit rowdy again, as people filtered out and through it. People came and made introductions of themselves. Both high and lowborns from our own court that were invited. To have an audience with an Alpha and to be invited to such an occasion for someone that was not highborn was an honor.

I was tired of standing, and the line of people making introductions was shortening, so after they had dispersed I told Alpha Theris "I think I will mingle out there."

"You'll stay put, we haven't had the introduction I have been waiting for." He said meaningfully. I knew what he meant, but if the man wanted me, he would find us eventually and I wanted one of them puff-cakes that I've seen people walking around with.

"We have all night for introductions. But right now, Alpha, with all due respect, I would eat you if a puff cake didn't sound so much more appealing." I said, brightly, and made my way to the lady with the pastries on the far end of the corridor. Jack and Xander I knew were following closely but silently.

The lady was short, and red in the face. She had a big round belly, and a very kind smile. Human, by the looks of her, and though I didn't have a wolf I could scent out humans and wolves, just not as efficiently or effectively if I did have one.

I smile brightly at her. "Hello, do you have any more of your puff-cakes available?" I asked and she beamed at me.

"I have saved one of everything that I ran out of, just in case something caught the birthday girl's eye." And she reached for a pan that was nearly empty in its slot, and grabbed out one large puff pastry covered with powdered sugar.

I salivated as I watched her put it in a little paper bag and hand it to me with a nod.

"I love you." I said beholding the delicious looking pastry and she barked a laugh. I'm smiling in pure joy and added, "I will make a big recommendation to the Alpha that he tips you very well, thank you."

"Thank you very much Milady."

I'm still looking at my puff cake, when I turn around and slam directly into something hard. Or someone. I assume it's Jack or Xavier and laugh in apology, when I look up to see two blazing honey-brown eyes, piercing into my own.