Caught Between Two Alpha’s

4: Stranger Danger

I used to love attending ceremonies, but now I just can’t stand them. They feel like a waste of time, just another excuse to dress up fancy and dance the night away as if our problems won’t revisit us the next day.

As I finished getting ready, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I looked elegant, just like always, and the outfit was Dylan’s choice. It was absolutely ravishing—he really has a knack for picking out the perfect clothes. I still had no idea what the ceremony was about, but I hoped I’d figure it out once we arrived or at least when Dylan decided to clue me in.

My attention shifted to the door as it creaked open, and Dylan walked into the room with his usual air of indifference. True to form, he didn’t even glance my way; he just said, "If you’re ready, let’s go."

I could never understand why he acted so cruel and detached toward me now. He used to be so nice and sweet, always showering me with compliments and making me feel special. Now, it felt like he was just bored of me like I was a chore he had to deal with. "I’m ready," I replied, trying to mask the disappointment in my voice.

"Then let’s go," he said, his tone flat as he turned to leave.

I picked up my purse and followed him out of the room, curiosity bubbling up inside me. "By the way, what’s the ceremony about?"

"It’s my cousin’s engagement party," he replied, his tone casual but his expression a bit guarded.

"Ohh, that’s nice! I finally get to meet your family; I’ve never met any of them," I said, a smile spreading across my face at the thought of getting to know more about him.

He turned to me, his eyes narrowing slightly, a hint of tension in his posture. "It’s best it stays that way. Besides, he’s a distant cousin, not a close one, so you’re probably not going to meet anyone I’d call family."

"Ohh, okay," I replied, trying to keep my tone light and casual, even though I felt a slight chill in the air.

As I walked beside him, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. I realized I’d never met any of Dylan’s close relatives—not his father, mother, or even an aunt. It made me wonder if he was deliberately keeping them hidden or if he simply didn’t have any family to speak of. He had always been a bit of a lone wolf, preferring solitude over social gatherings. Sometimes I found myself wondering what might have happened in his past. He used to be indifferent when I brought up family topics, but lately, it seemed like a dark cloud hanging over the subject for him. It was as if he wanted to bury any memories tied to family.

We arrived at the hall where the engagement party was taking place, conveniently located in the same compound as the palace, so it wasn’t a long drive at all. As Dylan and I walked in, he held my hand, likely to project the image of a happy couple to everyone around us. We made our way through the crowd, greeting some of the Alphas who were present. I recognized most of them, having attended their parties and events in the past. They threw a few compliments my way, which felt genuinely nice, especially since I’m not used to receiving compliments, particularly from my own husband.

As we continued to mingle and meet a couple of Alphas, I glanced around for Dylan’s cousin but didn’t see anyone who stood out. All the men were dressed in elegant tuxedos, making it difficult to identify who the engagement was actually for. I turned to Dylan and asked, "I don’t see your cousin around here, where is he?"

Dylan replied with a hint of annoyance, "You’re not here to see him but to attend the ceremony, so stop looking around."

"Oh, I just wanted to say hi and congratulate him," I said, trying to keep the mood light.

He scoffed, looking at me with a tinge of anger in his voice. He didn’t say anything more, but the silence spoke volumes. I could feel the tension in the air, and it hit me that I needed to watch what I said if I wanted to keep things smooth for the rest of the evening.

"I get it, I will just mind my own business from now on." I said knowing very well that if I try to prey, he’s gonna be so mad at me.

He scoffed "Yeah you better, I don’t even want you talking to anyone around here."

"Okay, I won’t. I will only speak when you tell me to but now can I at least grab a drink?" I asked, trying to keep the mood light.

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering to an Alpha striding toward us. Dylan finally replied, "You can get whatever you want, just don’t embarrass me or try not to talk to everyone. Not everyone here has good intentions." There was a hint of concern in his voice, and I could tell he was trying to protect me.

"Okay," I said, turning away as the Alpha approached, starting a conversation with Dylan that I didn’t want to interrupt.

As I made my way to the bar, I ordered a couple of shots, and the bartender was quick to serve them up. I wasn’t really looking to get drunk, but with the way things were heading, and knowing that after this party it would be time for s*x with Dylan, I felt an overwhelming urge to drink enough to numb myself and forget everything. The thought of being close to him felt more like a job than anything else, and I couldn’t quite put into words how suffocating that made me feel. I really didn’t want to feel that way, so after downing five shots, I leaned over to the bartender and asked for something stronger to help me forget tonight. Thankfully, he nodded and got me something that looked potent.

As I slammed back the drink, a man approached me, his eyes narrowing slightly as he said, "Isn’t that a bit much?"

Normally, I would have brushed off a stranger like him, but something about his presence caught my attention. I replied, "No it’s not, I need it to help me forget about tonight."

"I can relate," he said, signaling to the bartender to get him the same drink I was having.

I turned to him, a look of surprise crossing my face for a brief moment before I finally spoke up, "Wait, you had a couple of drinks too?" The distinct smell of alcohol lingered on his breath, and I noticed how his eyes were squinting slightly, as if he was struggling to focus. It was obvious he had indulged in a few drinks.

"Yeah, but I want more because it seems like it’s not working," he replied, his voice slightly slurred.

"I don’t know but I’m pretty sure it worked because you look quite drunk."

He scoffed, "I’m not after looks; I’m after the mind... I want to completely lose my grip on reality so that none of this will linger in my deepest memory." As he finished speaking, the bartender slid him the drink, and he downed it in one quick motion, the glass clinking satisfyingly as it emptied.

"I get it but I think this is just too much for you," I said, my concern growing as I remembered how strong and intoxicating the drink was. I usually go with just half a glass and I’m solidly good but he just gulped down the whole glass and I’m afraid he still wants more.

He shook his head vehemently. "No, it’s not. I really need to forget tonight." His eyes were wild, almost desperate, and I could sense the weight of whatever was troubling him.

"Me too, but it seems like your reason is worse,"

"Trust me, it is," he said, waving at the bartender for yet another drink, his determination evident.

"Well, you need to slow down with the drinks. You don’t wanna lose consciousness because of it," I cautioned, my voice tinged with concern.

He scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping him. "I’d be glad if that happens." His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken pain.

I couldn’t believe he said that, so I asked, "What’s going on with you?"

"Well..." he sighed deeply as if the weight of his thoughts was too much to bear. "Do you wanna go outside and talk about it?" I could see he was yearning for someone to listen, but I hesitated for a moment, glancing over at Dylan, who was still engrossed in conversation with the Alpha. Knowing I had some spare time, I nodded and said, "Sure, why not."

Agreeing to a stranger while I was on the verge of getting drunk felt like my second biggest regret. I shouldn’t have done that.