The Reluctant Alpha

Chapter 4 - Like Old Times

Mia

    Today is finally the day. The Blood Moon pack will be here in just a few short hours. They couldn't have scheduled their visit any better. It has been a nice few days. Alpha Clarence has been more wrapped up in preparations and his men leaving no time to deal with me. I know that I need to fly under his radar as long as possible. Plus, today is my 18th birthday. I have been counting down the hours to this day. Sure, I still may be stuck here until my mate takes me away, but when werewolves turn 18, they can finally sense their other half. 

    I straighten the last few things in the formal dining room and I know that I am done with all my chores for the day. Now to just sneak up to my room and stay there until the evening has concluded. I have heard about the Blood Moon pack. Any pack under their protection can rest easy. I can only hope that the meeting goes well tonight and an alliance is formed between our packs. It may put the Alpha more at ease. 

    "Daddy will be please with your work in here, Mimi." I spin around to see Layne leaned up against the door frame taking in the space. I should have known it was her with the use of my childhood nickname. Her and Jack were the only two to ever call me that. Now it is just her. "He has been a complete ass waiting on this pack meeting to get here."

    If only she knew the half of it. Layne has been one of the few people to actually try to still be nice to me. Her and her mother. Jack is getting to be more like his father. As for the rest of the pack, they follow their Alpha's lead. If he has a problem with me, even if they don't know what it is, so do they.

    I give her a small smile and nod. "I hope it goes well. Now, please, excuse me." I go to make my way past her and up to the sanctuary of my small space. I flinch when she grabs my arm as I pass. 

    "Geez Mimi," she pulls her hand back as if I have burned her, "I didn't mean to scare you. I just thought you may want to get ready with me. You know...like we use to." She looks down at her shoes and I'm at a complete loss. Why would I have to get ready? I am no part of this evening. I don't WANT any part of this evening! I learned a long time ago that it is better to be out of sight and out of mind. 

    I clear my throat and try to push down the anxiety swirling within me. "What do I have to get ready for? If you want me to help you get ready..."

    "What? No!" she snaps. "I meant what I said. You are just as much a part of this pack as anyone else. As the former Beta's daughter, you should be there. Not to mention, you do too much around here. You deserve to celebrate your birthday tonight."

    I'm not quite sure what to say. Part of me wants to run as far away from this conversation as possible and the other part is shocked she even remembered my birthday. We have grown apart ever since my parent's death. I don't blame her for it at all. I have gotten used to being the outcast. The unwelcome member of the pack. I don't really know what to do or say. 

    "I really don't know if that's a good idea." I shake my head and start towards the stairs. It is better to leave it the way it is. Maybe we can try to reconnect once I'm out of here and out from under her father's thumb.

    "Too bad for you, I refuse to take no for an answer." She flashes me her beautiful smile. I have always envied her looks. Her long, blonde, wavy hair always looks as if it has been professionally styled. I don't ever recall seeing a single blemish on her flawless porcelain skin. Even her wolf is a beautiful golden brown.

    I start to think of what I even have in my closet. Nothing that would be good enough for a meeting with an important pack, that's for sure. "I don't even have anything that would be acceptable to wear tonight. Maybe the next party." I shrug.

    "Nonsense!" Luna Marie chuckles from behind me.  Oh no! How long has she been there? Will she tell the Alpha? My mind is going a mile a minute. "Breathe Mia. It is only a small party. A joining of two packs. You haven't attended anything since...." She trails off. I know what she means. Since my parents died. I wish that people would stop tiptoeing around it. I have accepted it and I'm not made of glass. 

    "It's ok. Really." I protest giving her a gentle smile so she won't feel bad. It isn't her fault or anyone else's except Clarence. I won't have her feeling bad based on his actions. Even if she doesn't even know the half of it.

    "Well, I am your Luna. So, go ahead on up to Layne's room and both of you get ready. Mia, there is a gown on the back of her door that is yours. Happy birthday sweetheart." She gives me a small hug and walks out of the room leaving me standing there trying to hold back the tears that threaten to fall. 

    "You heard her!' Layne giggles, pulling me towards the second floor where her room is. What the hell have I gotten myself into?