Beta VS Gamma

XIX

~Rain~

The door opens in front of me, and the ladies walk through. These are some ladies I knew growing up. I won’t lie and say that we are close friends, but we know each other. I’m sure many are here to see what pack I mated into… you know, compare and contrast.

Actually, if it weren’t for my mother, I wouldn’t be hosting this gathering at all. Most of these women are snobbish, like their own mothers and mine. We don’t really get along or communicate often with each other.

When I found Andre, I was ecstatic, and it had nothing to do with him being an Alpha. Andre is a wonderful man and powerful wolf. Ario and Kyson are great too, and they create strong leadership.

My mother didn’t care about any of that. She found out which pack he came from and was instantly unimpressed. Mother said the pack was too small and Andre held no real power. She said I should reject him and find someone who has more status. There was no way I was going to reject my fated mate, and every day I’m thankful for the choice I made.

I plaster the fake smile on my face, almost forgetting how it felt. I haven’t had to use a fake smile since I’ve found Andre. All of my smiles are genuine, and it’s a vast difference from when I was growing up. I don’t have to fake anything here, and I appreciate that more than I can express.

The ladies crowd into the dining room, looking around as they move. I didn’t miss their eyes roaming around as we made our way here. I know they were cataloging everything and comparing. I really don’t care what they think. This is my home, and I love it. “Ladies, I’m so glad you could make it. Please have a seat.” I looked all over the place for the best spot to host them, then stopped. I decided I didn’t want to go overboard and try to make them more important than they are.

The ladies sit at the table, and the Omegas immediately set the serving trays and teapot in front of them. I see a few turned-up noses, but I ignore them. I sit in my place and look around the table. Marissa, Latice, Trina, Nova, and Cecilia try to be discreet, but they take in every inch of this room. Nova clears her throat and speaks first. “Interesting choice, Rain. This is the dining room for the pack, right?” I sit up straighter and keep my face stoic.

“Yes, it is. I figured this would be the most logical place to gather.” Latice scoffs and leans back in her chair.

“One would think that you are trying to hide the place from us. Maybe there are things that you don’t want people to see.” I look around the table, but say nothing. I see that many of the ladies agree with what Latice just said, but I don’t care.

“People can feel free to think whatever they like; it doesn’t bother me.” I look at Marissa, but she turns her head. She’s never been one to be too vocal, but she is a follower. Trina is of a similar mindset. She doesn’t say a lot of negative things, but she will follow the group. The real snobby ladies are Nova, Latice, and Cecilia. This group of ladies is a pain in my ass, and I swear to the Moon Goddess herself this will be the last time my mother can force a gathering.

Before anyone speaks again, Lacy stirs in my mind. She sits up straight, and her tail moves relentlessly. His scent follows her shift in attention, and I have to fight a smile. Andre walks into the room, looks around, then walks toward me. “I’m so sorry to interrupt.” I stand just as Andre reaches me. His hand finds the small of my back, and my legs almost give out.

“You aren’t interrupting, baby. Ladies, this is my mate, Andre. These ladies I grew up with: Nova, Latice, Cecilia, Trina, and Marissa.” He nods toward them, and Lacy growls in my mind. She doesn’t like the way he’s being looked at right now, and neither do I. I say nothing, not wanting to make a scene.

“Andre…” He turns his head and looks at Latice.

“Greer. Andre Greer.” Latice’s facial expression turns smug, and I know that trouble is coming.

“I have to say that when I heard that Rain was mated to the Alpha of the Blackpelt Pack, the name barely registered. I mean, I guess I’ve heard of this pack, but not much. I can honestly say that I’ve never heard of any Greers.” Lacy bucks against the edges of my mind, fighting to burst free to fight. The disrespect is atrocious, and it isn’t even hidden well.

“Well, I guess it’s true what they say… the best things aren’t known by many. Besides, I don’t believe I’ve heard of you either, so I guess we are equal.” Latice’s face drops, and I fight to keep my expression neutral. Andre turns to me, and I can feel his satisfaction through our bond. “I just wanted to check on you and your guests. I’m going to go back to the guys.” I nod and accept his lips in a kiss that is over much too soon. I watch Andre leave the dining room, then sit down again.

“I’m not surprised by his boldness, Rain. I mean, he has to hold on to something, seeing as how he isn’t that high up on the food chain.” I turn to Nova and watch her giggle with Cecilia. This little gathering needs to be over, yesterday. I knew it wasn’t going to go well, but I had a slight hope that it wouldn’t be this bad.

My fake smile feels that much faker, and it’s tighter across my face. I say nothing and sip from the cup in front of me. The ladies start talking among themselves, but I tune them out. I know that they are saying ugly things about my mate and this pack. I’m not interested in hearing it, and I really don’t want to cause a war between packs if I lash out at them.

I’m not sure how long I zone out, but I figure it’s time to get back to it. Being a Luna isn’t always something that you want to do. Sometimes you have to play the game to get the result that you want.

I put my cup down and tune back into the group. They are discussing designer items as if it’s their careers. I refrain from rolling my eyes and look around the table. These ladies aren’t the worst, but they aren’t far off. I can’t wait until I can send them on their way.

Cecilia tenses up, her body as stiff as a board. Her eyes dart around the room, but she doesn’t say anything. Nova and Latice don’t notice her change, but Marissa and Trina take notice. They look around the room before their eyes land on the doorway. I slowly turn my head to follow their gaze, and I suck in a breath. There’s no way… it can’t be….