My Game, My Rules

HENRIETTA Ahh, the fresh scent of a handsome looking Alpha! A soft amused chuckle escaped my lips as I wrapped my hands around Devon’s back. A chuckle escaped his lips and he slowly turned to embrace me too. A couple of seconds earlier, I stood by the door, watching him stare out of the window and yes, he only did that when he was worried. “What bothers you, my love?” I gently placed my palm against his cheeks and my lips curled into a tender smile. A sigh escaped my lips as he lowered his head. His brows creased in worry and concern. “The spy is still in our pack. I…” He sighed and shook his head. “I am worried, Hettie. I am worried. I don’t know who this person is or how much information they have gotten. Great Alphas would be coming from far and near for this celebration tonight and... I have this feeling that… that tonight is going to be ….” “Tonight is going to be perfect.” I let out a comforting smile. “I know you are worried and I do not mean to make you feel like you don’t know what you are saying but.. I believe there is no spy in our pack. If at all she is in this pack, I doubt if she would be here anymore. Listen...... “ I raised his face to mine and gave him an assuring smile. “Tonight is our night and it will be perfect. Get every worry off your mind. Your people are looking up to you.” His brows relaxed, replaced by a warm, relaxing smile. “How would I have ruled this pack without you and your wisdom? You are a gift and a blessing to me.” “Now…..” I wrapped my arms around his neck and placed a kiss on his chin. “You need to get ready. Our guests would soon begin to arrive and we do not want to keep them waiting. I am going to get ready too. Also….” I lowered my hands to his chest. “I have something to tell you after the party is over. A good news.” He tried to speak but I placed my hands on his lips, stopping him immediately. Devon was one hell of an inpatient man and I knew he wanted to know what the news was but it was a surprise. One I would only tell him after the party is over. Placing a kiss on his lips, I strode downstairs, the smile permanently etched to my lips. For over a week now, I watched Devon go through highs and lows to make this party be perfect. As his bride and the Luna of this pack, I tried all I could to make him be calm and be assured that things would turn out well but this was our first time of hosting the Full Moon ball hence I understood his nervousness and fear. “My lady.” The head maid, Vivian, walked towards me, executing a graceful curtsy. “The maids await outside.” “Good.” I nodded and walked after her. The maids crouched the minute they sighted me and I waved my hands at them to stand. “Tonight’s perfection hinges on your diligence. Tonight reflects our pack’s honor and we must do everything we can to give a very positive impression. “ I instructed and they bowed again before I dismissed them. “You need to have some rest, my Lady. You have been busy all morning even till now. “ I could see the concern in Vivian’s eyes and although I felt a little weak and exhausted, I knew I had to do it for Devon. I wanted to make this day so special for him, afterwards, we can both take few days off for ourselves and rest. “I promise, this is the last task. I am exhausted but what happens after today depends on this final task and it demands my attention. I promise to take a few minutes rest before the event starts.” My eyes locked onto Vivian’s eyes, hoping she would understand. She was concerned for me and I knew it but this was the most important of all. “Forgive me for the interruption, my Lady.” Clifford, the head of the guards started and bowed. “The guards are gathered over there.” “I promise to be back as soon as I can and take a rest.” I whispered, hoping to dismiss her for the moment but her eyes lingered on me. She fell into step beside me. “As you all know, tonight is a very special night. Remember that you are only allowed to let in Alphas with their true mate, Alphas with no mates or Alphas whose mate is dead. Now, let me remind you that allowing a couple who aren’t mates into the party would bring danger and bad luck to our pack. Deaths and pain would be our story. Ever since my husband and I began to rule two years back, we have done everything in our power to make this pack grow bigger and stronger every day. I will like to urge you to take your time and confirm that the marked sign on whoever this Alpha is, and his Luna is the same. Once again, you know the danger attached if lovers who aren’t marked mates come into this party.” With a synchronized nod, they bowed their heads, their hands clasped behind their back. “Yes, my Lady.” They chimed in unison and with a final bow, they dispersed into the darkness, melting into the shadows. Recognizing Vivian’s vigilant concern, I smiled at her and patted her shoulder. “I will go to rest now.” ** The grand entrance swarmed with dignitaries, surrounded by majestic adornments. I held Devon’s hands, calming him down as his shoulders hung with tension. “Everything will be okay.” I whispered to him and he let out a nervous smile. It felt so good witnessing the event unfolding right in front of my eyes. Luna Roselyn, Devon’s mother had taught me how to do the moon lit blessing as the Luna of the pack. I had anticipated this moment since forever and now that it was here, I could not wait to do it. “I would like to invite my beautiful Luna, my rock and support, the one who has always supported me, my shoulder….” Devon started and the whole hall erupted into claps and cheering. I grinned from ear to ear, a little shy as a result of the attention I was getting at that point. “…..to give the moonlit blessing.” He added and everyone clapped. This was my moment! My lips thinned into a smile as we exchanged kisses before he walked back to his seat. “Ladies and gentlemen……” I started. “Hunger, pain, shame…….” I suddenly began to hear someone chant. Initially, I thought it was all in my head until everyone began to look around. In an instant, an aged woman, eyes sunken, skin sallow and deep wrinkles, pushed her way through the door, chanting the words even louder. Who the heck was this? Electric tension crackled as our eyes clashed and her piercing stare bored into mine, unyielding. “She cannot do the moonlit blessing because she is not the true Luna of this pack!” The woman yelled and murmurs arose. Who the heck was this haggard looking woman? “Guards!” I called immediately. How on earth could she even overpower them? “She is not the true Luna of this pack neither is she your mate! She is an imposter who has ulterior motives. She killed the true Luna so she could steal her position!” The woman yelled again and gasps escaped a couple of people’s mouth. “Guards!” Devon yelled; his brows furrowed with anger. “Lucas…..” She spoke briskly and Devon's brows arched. His mother and father arched their brows as well. “Does the name ring a bell?” She probed, her lips thinning into a mischevous grin.