Surviving the alphas

Chapter 4

~~~~present~~~~

Day of the party at the country club.

“Please try to be sober this is a company party Creedence.” I look at him through the mirror at my vanity desk as I applied a small amount of makeup to my face. I wasn’t very good at doing makeup just enough to get by.

“PlEaSe TrY tO bE sObEr” he mocked rolling his eyes at me. “ don’t try to draw attention to yourself dumb b***h, I’ll do my part” He rolled his eyes in annoyance at me while he fixed his tie.

“I’m serious Creed. My bosses will be there this is the first time I’ve been to a company party since starting almost 4 years ago. And I’ve been in this position for a year, I don’t want to go back to working in the mail room again.” I was serious I didn’t want him to f**k everything up we worked so hard for.

“I promise I won’t start s**t… but I sure as hell will finish it” he mumbled under his breath. “ by the way, the doctor stopped by and gave me your vaccine. It’s a stronger dose and should last longer.”

I nodded at him.

He jabbed the needle deep into my shoulder. Catching me off guard I grit my teeth yet again at the searing pain as the blue liquid plunged deep into my system. “There may be a few side affects this time round, but we’ll see okay?” He said nonchalantly taking the needle out placing a small bandage over in and leaning down gently pressing his lips against it.

“New side effects? Like what?” I was a bit more concerned he didn’t tell me what he was giving me. But I trusted him because it would rid my pains, fevers and keep the voice in my head at bay. The voice scared me and had super intrusive thoughts. Wasn’t sure if it was for comical relief or to embarrass me every opportunity that hit.

“Headaches, achy muscles, and potential black outs” he shrugged his shoulders.

“Is that all?” I turned to look at him raising an eyebrow trying to be sarcastic.

Creedence gave me a stern glare before shaking his head at me. I rolled my eyes at him as I fixed up my hair and styled it to where my bangs were out of my face.

“What do you think you’re doing?” He bellowed in a deep husky voice.

“Getting my hair out of my face for once, duh—” a stinging sensation came across my cheek suddenly. He just struck me. My eyes well up yet the tears dare not fall.

“What have I said about showing your face to others!” He said through gritted teeth. “Now cover your face! No one is allowed to look at you remember, you’re mine and no one else’s!!” Seething with anger at me.

I looked away from him and wiped away my tears before they could fall. I got up from my seat and fixed my hair how I usually keep my bangs in my face instead. I thought for once I could have been more confident in my looks, but alas I had to be painfully reminded that I couldn’t. Though I did wonder why I wasn’t allowed to do so from time to time I just didn’t dare ask why.

My phone buzzes and I look down at the notification.

Killian: hope to see you at the event today! :)

My heart raced, I forgot he helped me get out of the mail room and at this new position. I smiled down at my phone as I walked through the house grabbing the truck keys typing my response.

Angelina: hell yeah, leaving now. Will be there in 15 minutes. :P

Killian: Kewl beans!

“Hah” I chuckled at the response as I got in the cab of the truck passenger side. Creedence got in the driver side and started the engine. He sighed heavily “I’m just over protective of you that’s all, I’m sorry. Just promise me you’ll behave.” I didn’t even give him a verbal response not even a nod. Turned my head away to look out the window.

……..

We arrived to the country club. The house on property was basically a mansion with multiple amenities surrounding the area. Golf course, a stable, pool and other little cabins and houses it was like a resort or a community. It left me in awe as I wondered through the garden from the parking lot. It was an indoor outdoor event, gorgeous flowers and decorations all around. They didn’t skimp on any details or expenses at all. Even had live music inside in the ball room.

I immediately saw Creedence talking to some other women, it seemed he attracts a crowd wherever he goes. Some of them leaning on him and twirling their hair as they flirted with him already. I suspect that’s what he does when he sneaks out almost every night, going to the damn bars and brothels around town.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance, as I could hear him tell cringey things that would make anyone with a brain kill over. I shake my head and look around the venue giving soft smiles to those around me. Some people I knew and well some I didn’t. I waved timidly anyways.

The scent of honey and mahogany washed over me making my mouth water. I looked around to see where that delightful smell was coming from. Thud. Not even realizing my surroundings I found myself face to face with Blake, who looked at me with a ‘watch where you are going peasant’ expression. “Watch it you-“ he hissed. I froze in place. His aura scared me. Everything about him told me to run away I didn’t know why but I froze in place.

“B-Blake…I-I-I-I…” the words were stuck in my throat nothing but incoherent stuttering leaving my lips.

“Cat got your tongue b***h?” He spat raising an eyebrow at me.

A hand resting on my shoulder startled me, I jolt looking beside me to see a comforting familiar face. Killian!

“No she was just trying to find her bestie you damn Crow” he said cheerfully looking down and giving me a wink. I was relieved and relaxed in his presence. I mouthed the words “thank you” to him.

Killian wrapped his arms around me pulling me away from Blake. “Come Angelcakes. We’ll take our leave from this beast with the holier than thou attitude.” Leaving Blake standing alone in the garden as we walked away.

What was his problem.

“He’s got tiny d**k syndrome” Killian joked.

I could feel Blake’s eyes bore into the back of our heads with that comment. I’m sorry did he read my mind?

“And no I’m not reading your mind, just stating facts.” I knew it, he could read my mind.

“But you literally answered the question I was just thinking.” I questioned linking my arm in his. He leans down and whispers “that’s because we’re best friends. Duh”.

He was right, I loved when Killian would stop by my desk at work, he’d brighten up my day with his nonsense making my bad days better. Or when he would bring me food. He was a genuine friend to me, the only friend in fact.

Killian walked me inside the mansion, it just left me in awe I couldn’t help by gape my mouth open taking it all in as we passed the archways. Women in beautiful cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Men in nice suits and tuxes. Everyone was gorgeous in their own way. I kinda felt out of place like a wallflower. An ugly orphan if you will. As he led me through the corridor and into the ball room I was just in shock at the whole place the room was gigantic. It felt like a fairytale palace.

“Would you like to dance?” He asked sweetly.

“I don’t know how…” I answered timidly.

He tilted his head curiosity in his eyes as he raised his hand up to my bangs in my face. I shut that down immediately by looking away from him. Clearing his throat “I’m sorry”.

I felt bad that I denied him like that, but last thing I needed was to show my face off and somehow Creedence find out. He’d kill the both of us for sure.

“It’s otay.. Why don’t you go dance I’ll just watch from the sidelines Otay?” I tried to make mends. He lets out a soft sigh and smiles brightly at me.

“Very well, I shall leave you by the food table then.” He winked while he led me to the potluck of food.

Good goddess there was a wide variety of food, it was enough to feed a whole tribe or pack. Though by the looks of attendance that would be the case here. He knew I could stress eat here and be content about it. Killian took his leave and I was alone yet again however I didn’t mind it.

I grabbed a champagne glass from a waiter walking by with a tray and thanked them, slowly took a sip from it. I stood beside an empty table near the dance floor where you could see all the couples swaying to the music. It looked like a blast.

A few men tried to get me to dance with them but I politely declined.

“Not enjoying the party?” A deep melodic voice sounded from behind me, startling me I whipped my head around to see is was Kade Stone. “Didn’t mean to startle you” he apologized.

“Mr. Stone?! I’m not. Am. I mean you didn’t startle me just caught me off guard is all.. I’m having a great time sir.” He smiled at my response, with a woman latched onto his arm. She had a lovely navy blue evening dress with matching Safire jewelry on making her warm blue eyes pop. Her medium brown hair was in soft curls mid back length.

“This is my fiancé Lauren Giddy.” He introduced. I swiftly extended my hand to her “it’s a pleasure to meet you Lauren, I’m Angelina Doe” and she took mine in turn her face faltered slightly then quickly gave me a welcoming smile trying to play it off.

“Nice to meet you, you have a lovely name” she spoke in a soft regal tone.

Some commotion drew Kade’s attention, I had a gut feeling that my dumbass brother was involved in it. No facts but just a feeling.

“Excuse me ladies, I need to investigate this.” He excused himself and disappeared into the crowd.

I grabbed two glasses of champagne from a waiter walking by and offered one to Lauren gladly taking it from me. I down it in one big gulp. My eyes widened in slight shock. I need to play it cool damn it.

“So how long you been working at the company?” She started off.

“Shy of 4 years…” pressing my lips into a line awkwardly nodding my head.

“So you bring anyone with you?” Looking up at me from the glass she sips from.

“Um yea, my brother, he’s around somewhere here…” I trailed off looking around for him, again no where in sight. Whew. “What about you, um how long you been engaged?” I asked her.

“Oh we found out we were fated mates years ago, finally going to have our mating ceremony in a few weeks… you should totally come!!” Giving off a welcoming persistent vibe.

“Oh I don’t mean to impose..” I was shy and what did she mean by fated mate? Must mean it was meant to be or something like that I was just plain confused at her choice of words in all honesty.

“But I insist, you just give me this energy that you need a friend. Come on, don’t decline me. You can even bring your brother! Everyone in the pack will be there.” Taking my hand in hers and giving me pleading eyes she looked like a little puppy I couldn’t even resist her.

“Oh Otay, I’ll come then.” I caved, I couldn’t help it.

“Otay, hah cute I love that!” She smiled.

I wondered what she meant by pack, maybe that’s some lingo around here I’m just not familiar with yet, I’ll have to ask Creedence about it later.

“Excuse me if you will, I’ll be right back” she then excused herself downing the glass of champagne to grab another and headed into the direction where some other ladies were and began to mingle. I grabbed myself another glass taking smaller sips from it.

The smell of honey and mahogany hit my nose again, I didn’t know where it was coming from but hell it was enticing. I looked all around me to figure out where it was coming from though the scent just filled the room. At least it put me at ease.

***Creedence POV***

I guess I was happy I decided to let Angelina come to this pack party not that she didn’t have a single clue what this party was all about. Father had made sure we kept her in the dark about her truth, perhaps I liked making sure she was clueless from the very day he brought her home as well. If she ever found out what she truly was capable of we would all be doomed according to father and that would be the last thing I needed to deal with. Hard enough to run the pack without her knowing it, especially how father has gone crazy obsessive with this prophecy deal. Though some days I do think she ought to know about it all.

“Alright ladies shall we go inside for some refreshments?” Giving a bright smile to the she-wolves that clung to my arms. I didn’t care for their names only thing I knew for a fact is that I’d be doing them in the garden maze later today

. They giggled snuggling close to me, it always gave me a sense of great pleasure that women would flock to me without even trying. It made growing my pack that much easier. I enjoyed the perks of being an alpha now that father was out of the way sorta.

“So Creedence, do you have a fated mate?” The blonde with brown eyes said in a flirtatious tone.

“No ma’am” I lied with a smile on my face.

“So anyone who catches your eye to be a chosen mate?” The blonde with blue eyes on my other-side chimed in. They were power hungry and knew I was next in line to be alpha of revenant hallows pack even though I practically ran it since father’s demise. Oozing alpha aura from every inch of my body, almost everyone knows an alpha auras.

“I think so” I replied happily. “But I’m just having a hard time choosing” I smirk devilishly.

“How about we dance Creedence!” The blue eyed blonde said enthusiastically yet giving daggered eyes to the other girl. Giving her a dashing smile I nodded then looked over to the other girl leaned down to give her a peck on the cheek. “I promise you’ll have the next dance okay?”. With hopeful eyes she nodded back “I’ll be waiting Creedence” she said in a flirtatious tone giving the other girl daggers.

We begin to make our way to the dance floor when I looked up to see Vixen in front of me. s**t.

“What the f**k you doing with my MATE you whores?!” Vixen hissed low at the girls.

They looked up at me confused, “what she going on about? Your mate? He said he didn’t have one?”.

“Hah, of course he has a mate you power hungry b***h” she scoffs.

“What’s the meaning of this Creedence?” Both blondes said in unison.

Fuck my life, I rolled my eyes.

“I have no clue what this w***e is talking about” I played dumb. Vixen’s mouth gaped open before pressing her lips in a hard line. She marched right up to me and swiftly slaps me across the face. It rung through the air. People started to take notice and whisper. I didn’t even care if I was about to start a scene anger brewed inside me. Taking a step forward pressing my chest up against her, glaring at her, I breathed heavily balling up my fists at my side.

“Think you’re all high and mighty you fox b***h?” I said through gritted teeth.

She smirked at me not breaking her gaze, “what you gonna do about it Creed?”

That’s when I saw the Alpha’s beta Kade Stone in the corner of my eye. Adjusting my posture I shut my eyes and sigh heavily before composing myself again.

“We will talk about this later dearest” I said in a low tone before turning on my heels to only find myself face to face with the Alpha. “Ah- Sebastien Arrow, I was just taking my leave.” My wolf Carver comes forward through my eyes.

“Making a scene are we now? That’s Alpha Sebastien to you” He was cocky.

“Of course, aLpHa SeBasTiEn” I mocked; “not at all, I was just enjoying your… party. Before this fox rudely interrupted it.”

“I know your monster of a father had to teach you some manners, unless the rumors of you being a wretched beast are also true” he said confidently trying to mock me if front of everyone.

I clicked my mouth in annoyance “don’t believe all rumors you hear, alpha Sebastian

” I glared down at him; seemed like we had an audience at this point.

“Like the one of y’all killing the last of celestial wolves” he sneered. I scoffed at his remark reaching out to a passing waiter with champagne and down the glass.

‘Everyone’s watching, here’s not a good place for this’ Carver pointed out so I huffed and pulled at my suit corners

. Stepping away from him I look over at the dance floor and my blood begins to boil.

She’s dead meat.

I stormed out of the ballroom not caring as I bump into others.

“Give your sister my regards!” He calls out audaciously.

***Angelina POV***

“May I have this dance miss Doe?” Another familiar deep husky voice came to ear. Looking up over my shoulder I was happy to see his kind blue eyes and fresh fade cut blonde hair.

“Mr.Mance!” I exclaimed super excited. “I haven’t seen you in ages, how are you? Where have you been?”

“I’m fine, but please call me King. I insist” he chuckled placing his hand on the small of my back and escorting me to the dance floor. “Let’s talk out here”.

Swallowing the lump in my throat I couldn’t even protest as much as I wanted to, this man was demanding without even trying. He had swept me off my feet before I even knew it. It made my heart race to be in the arms of a handsome man. Someone who makes me feel safe and not scared of my own shadow yet I hardly knew him at the same time. He would visit for meetings at my office where I worked, it was the only times I seen him.

“I don’t even know how to dance!” I tried to protest. I say stumbling over both our feet. Making me embarrassed to be in public I wanted to crawl under a damn rock to hide from this.

“Nonsense, just make a box with your feet.” Holding my hand in one and his other on my waist we danced in place till I got comfortable with the movement, it didn’t take long till we were two stepping around the dance floor like the others.

“See, it’s not that hard.” He cooed into my ear making my face heat.

“Easy for you to say” I stumbled a bit quickly correcting my steps. He chuckles. Our eyes meet in a deep gaze. I couldn’t help but take in his handsome features. He made my face turn red easily.

“Are you enjoying the party?” He started off.

“Why does everyone keep asking me that? “ I roll my eyes. “Yes it’s a lovely party. I wish I could attend more of these, it feels like a fairytale to be honest.” I sigh softly. “This place is just.. paradise; who owns it?” I rattled on.

Raising up and straightening his posture,

“If you like this place you should come see my pack house. I could show you around. I have a lake and boat on my property.” His blue eyes glistened as he spoke calmly; I had a bright smile on my face that made my cheeks hurt.

“Wow that sounds amazing! I’d love to see—“ I suddenly remembered I’d probably be on lock down if Creedence knew I went out on a personal day and even more so if I was with another man. “But— I don’t think I’ll be able to come.” My smile falters a bit I look away.

“It’s your brother isn’t it?” His voice laced with concern.

I nod.

“Let me worry about him.”

Curiosity had me. “Mr.Mance, I don’t think that’s a good idea. If he finds out I’m dead. But for the sake of it and well my curiosity, how would you take care of it?” I slightly tilt my head.

“I’d just steal you away from work.” Pushing me away for a spin, my hair spiraled out briefly exposing my backside to the world my heart sank for a brief moment. On the reel back in I pondered what he said, ignoring the fact that everyone around me including him had probably seen my scarred up back however my spine shudders at the feeling.

“Well… I’m not opposed to that idea I guess, but I’ve never missed work. How-“

“Let me worry about that okay? Just say you’ll come with me.” It was as if he were begging me. He could be asking anyone here, there were far more gorgeous women than myself. I never saw myself with anyone, not as long as Creedence kept watch over me that is. I swallowed the lump in my throat and gave a timid nod. “Fantastic, I can’t wait to show you my pack house.” He leaned down “and my secret hideout” whispering in my ear. My face probably turned into a bright red tomato meanwhile he took pleasure from my shy features.

We danced for a few more songs, I progressively got better and actually liked to dance now. It felt good to my soul I’ve never felt this exhilarating to be twirled, lifted and embraced. The music and rhythm moved through my body and feet alike. My smile never leaving my face the whole time. When we finished dancing Kingston escorted me off the dance floor, swiping two champagne glasses from a passing waiter. We talked and drank as the day went on. I was starting to feel the alcohol finally. I felt eyes on us a few times, eyes that burrowed its way into my soul making my stomach knot up. When the smell of honey and mahogany suddenly filled the room once again making my heart skip a beat getting me excited yet putting me at ease all at once. I perked up.

“Ladies and gentlemen are we having a great time?!” A clean-cut man with the microphone stands on stage at a podium. Crowd grows large around him clapping and cheering on. Kingston and I walk with the crowd as the man began to speak.

“So glad I could host this event this year, here to celebrate the summer solstice. It’s a big deal to our kind…” as he goes on my heart flutters.

“Hey Mr.Mance? Who is that up there” Looking up at him instead of the man at the podium.

“Him?… well that’s Sebastien Arrow, I believe you’ve met him once before. He owns this place and is leader of the—” leaning down to my level to reply get cut off by Creedence clearing his throat whom makes his presence out of nowhere and pissed off mood known as he places his hand on my shoulder with a firm grip.

“C-Creedence?!” Dismay in my voice. Where the f**k did he come from?

Kingston looked pissed to have seen him interrupt us. Time stood still where we were while everyone else listened to Sebastien speech.

“Come on, we’re going home!” He said through gritted teeth seething at the mouth trying to be discreet as possible without causing a scene.

No f*****g clue what came over me in that moment, probably all the alcohol I’ve had today giving me the courage to do this for the first time in existence.

“I don’t have too…” I mumbled faintly. Yep that did it, that agitated the f**k out of him since he gripped my shoulder even tighter hurting me in the process I wince in pain. Know for a damn fact I got bruises from it now.

Creedence shut his eyes in frustration “I didn’t ask. I’m telling you” as he opened his eyes giving me a deadly glare.

“The lady said no.” Kingston stepped in. Creedence straightened his posture shifting his eyes over to Kingston, they were practically having a stare down.

“This isn’t you concern dog.” He hissed at him.

Shit this is escalating I don’t want to cause a scene, I looked around starting to panic.

“Otay.. otay… we’ll go home.” I said discreetly to Creedence who shift his eyes down to me still angry his breathing labored.

“Ange— you don’t have to go with him” Kingston protested reaching out for my hand immediately trying to comfort me. I look up at him a smile softly “thank you for the dance Mr.Mance” I bow my head to him awkwardly letting go of his hand limply before turning to face Creedence as we made our way through the crowd leaving. I look back to Kingston whom looked at me with concern and I mouth “it’ll be okay” nodding with a perturbed expression.