Xavier:
I froze at their questions. I hadn’t realized my rash behavior until now. All I remember is watching Sterling pulling Alpha to the dance floor. I didn’t like the way she succumbed to him. Then when I saw how close they got, and how his hand grabbed her waist, I couldn’t think straight. My eyes fixated on that small action until my restraint snapped.
The whole room was staring at me. I had to say something. “Alpha owes me a dance.”
Her mouth gaped and her eyes were full of shock. “You’re such a child,” she scoffed.
Sterling chuckled, grabbing her attention. “It’s okay Alpha. We’ll dance later.” He looked over at me with a knowing grin. “If you want to. I would never force a lady.”
A mischievous look crossed her face as she glanced at me, before returning her gaze to Sterling. “I’d love to.” I gritted my teeth at their playful banter, but managed to stay calm.
I watched as Sterling walked away, then faced Alpha. “Can I have this dance?” I gave her a genuine smile, hoping her pouting face would go away.
“Fine, but only because I don’t want to owe you anything.”
Alpha took my hands, roughly putting one on her waist, then dropping her hand on my shoulder. I chuckled at her aggressive actions. “I was serious before. If you step on my foot I’m kicking you in the shin,” she spit the words at me like a curse.
We began to sway as the music started, our movements in sync with one another. I couldn’t help pulling her close, inhaling her sweet scent.
This woman was so enraging. It was as if all common sense was thrown out the window whenever she was near, yet just holding her calmed every nerve. Even my wolf could feel it.
“Where did you learn to dance?”
Alpha stayed silent. I’m sure this is her way of protesting.
“I’m sorry for my behavior.” She looked up at me surprised. “I don’t know what came over me.”
She gave me a smirk. “So Alpha Gorilla has manners after all?”
I sighed. This woman had such a sharp wit. “How about we promise to be civil tonight?”
“I will if you will.”
There was a small silence before I said, “You know your way around a dance floor.”
“My Mother had taught me since I was a child.” She had a distant smile on her face, like she was recalling a memory. “My Father taught me things like fighting and war tactics, but my Mother was adamant that I learned formal etiquette. She would always say ‘It’s important to be a fierce leader, but an elegant female is another form of power’.”
I smiled. I know what she meant. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Alpha as she swept across the dance floor.
“I’m assuming she taught you many forms of dancing.”
She laughed. “Everyone she could.”
“Then why don’t we make this dance more interesting?”
She lifted a brow. “What did you have in mind?”
I released her and headed towards the stage to request a song.
I walked back to her as the band began to play tango music. “Think you can keep up?”
I could see the determined look in her eyes. “Saphir!” He shot over with his wolf speed.
To my surprise Alpha ripped the flared part of her gown to reveal a cocktail dress with a slit up the thigh. She handed the ball of tulle to Saphir.
“Try not to hold me back.”
I gave her a sly grin. “You always have something up your skirt, don’t you?”
“A lady must be prepared to fight at anytime.” She looked me over. “Are you sure you don’t want me to teach you a few moves first?”
“I think I’ll be okay.”
She gave me a wry smile. “Some how I doubt that.”
“Bruce Lee practiced tango to increase his fighting skills.” I gave her an intense look. “The tango is like war. You must assess the other’s moves and counter. One wrong move,” I leaned down till my lips were practically grazing her ear, “and either side can fall.”
I grabbed her hand and pressed her body against me in a swift motion, as she gasped. “Always anticipate the next move.”
She gave me an alluring smile, stepped back, and started to circle me. Her hand sliding across my chest, then my back. Something about her sensual moves had me enchanted.
I grabbed alpha’s waist and lowered her down till her hair just brushed the floor. When I lifted her back up she wrapped her leg around mine and spun away from me.
Grabbing her hand when she stopped, I moved behind her till my chest was pressed against her back. I set my hand on her stomach, so she couldn’t move. “How am I supposed to dance with you holding me this close,” she asked.
I chuckled softly in Alpha’s ear. “You know what they say. ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer’.”
We playful attempted to tangle each others legs, wrapping our limbs together as they weaved in an out.
“You’re lighter on your feet than I thought you’d be.” I hadn’t notice her hand on mine until she pulled away from me, but I didn’t let her go this time.
I stretch my arm out as she leaned away from me. Alpha narrowed he eyes at me. She couldn’t let go without falling on the floor.
I pulled her in and grasped onto her waist with both hands. I lifted her up in a swift motion and spun around three times, before setting her down. I spun her out than back to me as fast as I could. She looked up at me with rose colored cheeks, as she her breathing quickened.
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her as close as possible. Our faces were just inches apart. I looked deep into her green eyes. They seemed brighter than normal due to her flushed cheeks.
The music stopped, but I couldn’t seem to let go. She held me in a trance that was only broken when we heard applauding, shocking us both.
We looked around the room. We were the only ones on the dance floor. Everyone had stopped to watch our tango.
She gave me a sheepish grin. “Thank you for the dance. I was pleasantly surprised by your skills.”
“Just let me know the next time you want to get tangled up,” I said, giving her a wink.
She rolled her eyes and walked away.
I headed to the bar for another scotch. My heart was beating rapidly from our dance. I could still picture how it felt with her body pressed to mine.
I downed the drink and shook my head, hoping to clear it a little. But my mind kept drifting back to Alpha. Her swift movements and how she glided across the floor kept replaying.
I was so focused on our movements that I forgot we were in the middle of a ballroom filled with people.
“Are you alright, Xavier?” I looked over to see Sterling standing next to me. “I won’t be dancing with Alpha anytime soon. No one can compete after that.” He chuckled.
I gave him a blank smile, feeling relieved by his comment. Yet, I felt annoyed that I kept finding myself focusing on her constantly, and the alcohol wasn’t distracting me from my obsessive thoughts.
“I’m going to grab some fresh air.” I headed to the terrace.
I stood in the doorway facing outside. The moon had risen high in the sky at this point. I could hear the buzz of the forest. I took a deep breath of the fresh air and caught a whiff of a familiar scent.
I could heard soft giggling. “Okay. I believe you. There’s nothing going on between you two. You’re all mine.” The sound of kissing could be heard with light moans.
I stepped away from the door, heading around the corner where the noises were coming from.
I peeked to see who it was, and was shocked to find Alpha and her maid in a heated make-out session. Their hands roamed each other with need.
My wolf was gnashing his teeth like a wild dog. I could feel myself getting riled up as well. My anger grew till I couldn’t contain it. This lowly woman was touching what was mine!
I let out a growl and stomped over to them, pulling Tallia away from Alpha.
“What the f*ck are you doing,” the maid yelled at me.
“She is your Alpha to serve, not a toy to play with. Learn your place!”
“You need to learn yours! Don’t ever command a member of my pack again,” Alpha said, as her eyes showed how furious she was. I could feel her aura spreading through the air. The tension between us seemed to grow heavier.
“Edgar,” I yelled through the mind link. He was there in a matter of seconds. “Take this woman and teach her a lesson. She’s not allowed to touch what’s mine!”
Alpha looked livid. “I am not yours! What makes you think I am? Because you carried me to my room? Because we danced? I’m not your anything!” She spat the last sentence at me.
“Your my MATE,” I roared to her with all I had.
Everyone froze. Alpha and I stared at each other stupefied. Mate? Of course she was my mate. The way she clouded my thought. How her touch resonated with my soul. How could I not see that this whole time?
Edgar pulled Tallia towards the ballroom. Alpha trailed behind them and I followed her.
“Alpha,” I yelled to her. “Alpha stop!”
She spun so fast I nearly ran into her. “You think just because we’re mates I have to listen to your every command?” She gave me a dirty look. “I’m not a Luna you can boss around. I’m an Alpha and I will never bow down to you!”
“Are you rejecting me,” I asked in disbelief.
“You think this is what I want in a mate,” she gestured to me. “Xavier, it would be a mistake.”
Her words were like ice, causing my wolf to growl. “You would reject me before knowing me?”
“It just doesn’t make sense. Can two Alphas even mate together? What about our packs? There’s too many questions. It’s too complicated! There’s nothing between us anyway.” She gave me a sad smile before walking away.
The entire ballroom was silent. Again, we managed to cause a scene.
A wicked grin spread across my lips. “If there’s nothing between us, then why do I still have your shoes in my room from last night?”
She froze at my words and looked at me in disbelief. “Are you trying to start a war with me,” she asked in a provoking tone.
“Just seeing if Alpha Alpha can keep up with the big, bad wolves. I’m not sure you have what it takes.”
“I’m more than capable,” she said, giving me a cunning smile, “Luna Xavier.” She swirled around and walked out of the room.
I stared after her and ground my teeth.
I stomped off and headed outside. I shifted, not bothering to disrobe first, and bolted towards the forest. I needed a good run to clear my head. This infuriating woman was my destined mate? I didn’t understand what the Moon Goddess was thinking.
Tallia:
I tried to pull myself away from Edgar, but his grip was too strong. “Let go of me! I will not be insulted by anyone, Alpha or not. I’m giving him a piece of my mind.”
He stopped abruptly, whipping around to meet my eyes. “You think you can handle a fight with Xavier? You’re not even a tracker or a guard. You hold no rank. What makes you think you have a chance?”
I tried to pull my hand away from him again. “Alpha and I are in love. He can’t come between something like that.”
“But they’re mates,” he pointed out. “They’re destined to be together. Nothing can change fate.”
“She can reject him,” I said as I tried to pry his hand off.
“But will she? She’s an Alpha. She needs to mate to continue her family line. You can’t give her that.” I stopped my assault at his words.
Would Alpha do that? She never talked about having pups, but as an Alpha it was natural to want to continue her bloodline. I would never be able to give her children.
I knew Alpha would find her mate someday, but I was hoping it would be a long time before that. She never even attended the Mating Ball because she was busy with her Alpha duties. Who would have thought she’d find one here?
“You should do yourself a favor and forget the life you had before,” he said in a monotone.
“But I love Alpha. I’ve never wanted anyone else.” I was on the edge of tears. What was I supposed to do without her?
“Unless you can break them up.”
I looked up at Edgar, surprised. “But he’s your Alpha. Don’t you want him to find his Luna?”
“I have my own reasons for keeping them apart.” He pulled a business card from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and handed it to me. “If your interested in doing so, give me a call.”
I didn’t have a chance to answer before Alpha barged in. “Take your hand off of my girlfriend!”
Edgar released my hand and bowed. “I apologize, Alpha Alpha. I was only following orders,” he said before making a hasty exit.
Alpha turned to me the second he walked away. “He didn’t harm you, did he?” She looked me over, like a concerned mother.
“I’m fine.”
“Thank the Moon Goddess,” she said, pulling me in for a hug. “I thought he was going to hurt you.”
“Shouldn’t you be with your mate?”
Alpha released me and looked me in the eye. “I would never leave you for Xavier. I love you and only you.” She pulled me in for another hug.
Her words didn’t put me at ease. Alpha may feel this way now, but what’s stopping her from changing her mind? Maybe I won’t be what she wants anymore.