The Chosen or the Fated

Alpha’s Interference

Brant's POV

I hurried back to our guest suite, to find the guys engrossed in a game of truth or dare. Torrance gave me a questioning look, so I hurried into the bathroom to wash up and try to get some of Mea's scent off of me before he could ask questions. If he knew where I had been, his father or Mea's would end me. I was supposed to be forming a stronger alliance between our packs by helping with their betrothal after all.

Torrance wasn't exactly interested in Mea, but he was the type to make it a competition. He was used to being the center of attention, being he was the only child and a future Alpha. The few girls our age in our pack weren't shy about letting him know they were available. Even some of the older unmated she-wolfs weren't opposed to trying to catch his eye. Torrance wasn't one to "wh@@re around" he had a few short-term relationships, but his parents always "convinced" those he dated to enlist in foreign affairs committees. That placed them out of sight and usually successfully ended things.

Alpha Trent, Torrance's father, had chosen his Luna, just as my father had chosen my mother. They weren't fated mates as Mea's parents had been. Alpha Trent and my father both agreed this allowed for more beneficial alliances to be made and decisions based on facts not feelings. If I had the choice to choose my mate, I would choose Mea. I'm just not sure she would choose me. Even if she did, it would never be allowed.

I knew we had to stop sneaking around, but I couldn't help myself. She knew exactly what to wear to catch my eye and how to brush up against me ever so slightly to leave me wanting more. We had both held back and kept things casual, well until recently. Our shifts were coming up and the intensity between us seemed to be building. I didn't know how much longer I could control myself.

Satisfied I had somewhat minimized Mea's scent from myself, I exited the bathroom. The guys were just finishing with Jalen's dare, consisting of several ghost peppers and some clothespins, and decided since I had missed out, I would get a truth and a dare all at once. Great, I couldn't wait to see what they came up with. Torrance said he would ask my truth first, just then however there was a knock at the door. Jalen got up to answer it and it was Lace. Man was I lucky, the Alpha was requesting a word with me in his office. I had a feeling Torrance was about to ask something pertaining to my short absence and was glad to be saved from having to come up with a lie.

I walked with Lace to Alpha James' office and she left me at the door. Before I could knock, the Alpha's gruff voice told me to come in. I really hope Mea's scent is gone now! The Alpha, Beta, and Gamma all stood near a desk in the center of the room and Luna Lynetta was seated in a chair off near a window. I stood right inside the door, not wanting to get too close to any one of them. Alpha James was a big guy at 6'3 and always had a very business-like demeanor and tone. He got straight to the point, asking where Torrance was in terms of a proposal. Knowing my Alpha, Torrance's father and Alpha James had both desired this union, I advised Torrance and Mea were still getting to know one another, but enjoyed each other's company. Alpha James said while that was good, he wanted to allow them time alone to move this along. Being a good Beta, I asked how I could assist. Alpha James said he had arranged a private dinner for Torrance and Mea on the terrace, followed by a movie in their private theatre on the recreation floor. He requested I relay this to Torrance and to let him know if there were any issues. I said I would gladly pass this evening's plans along to Torrance. Alpha James dismissed me and I high-tailed it back to our guest suite.

It looked as though their game had been abandoned as I returned from the Alpha’s office. Thank goodness! I told Torrance about Alpha James' arrangements for him and Mea. I could tell from his face he was a bit irritated with the arrangements. Torrance huffed, “I can plan a date on my own. Whatever, its his pack and I’m his guest. I agreed to consider this match, and I will honor my word.” Since he was already dressed for dinner, he left to go escort Mea down.

Falon mentioned escorting Raylen and Janelle to the dining hall, where everyone else would be eating so I followed. Raylen was Golden Lunar Pack's Beta's eldest daughter and not bad looking at that. Janelle was young but equally attractive. I would let Fallon choose who he wanted to escort, I was only there to throw off any suspicions after all.

Mea’s POV

We were laughing hysterically at Janelle’s Lynetta impression, when there was a knock at the door. We went dead silent, thankfully it was only Torrance. I wasn’t expecting him so I’m sure I looked a bit surprised. He told me he was there to escort me to dinner, if I was ready. I was ready dressed in my blue off-the-shoulder top and white skirt. My heels were just high enough to show off my athletic legs and give my ass a nice lift.

Raylen and Janelle were standing near a vanity with make-up strewn about. Falon and Brant arrived at my door just as Torrance and I were walking out. I heard Fallon ask Janelle if he could escort her to the dining hall, followed by her giggling. Looking back over my shoulder, I saw Brant simply hold his arm out looking at Raylen, to which she walked over and took willingly. I know it didn’t mean anything, but I could feel myself growing hot with anger.

When we passed the dining hall and made our way out to the terrace, I grew even angrier! What the hell was this? I didn't want a private dinner with Torrance and I sure didn't want Raylen hanging all over Brant! Maybe I should have told her about our moment earlier, so she would have known he was off-limits.

Well, this was not how I had planned to spend my evening. I excused myself and went to the bathroom. As I passed by the dining hall, I caught a glimpse of Brant, Raylen, and Janelle all laughing at something Falon was talking about. Raylen's arm still draped over Brant's. I felt my body tense up and knew my face was red. I slammed the bathroom door open and went over to the sink. I splashed my face with cool water and took a minute to calm down. I couldn’t let Torrance see my irritation, my father was very adamant about our future together after all. Time to give this a chance I suppose. I was never going to be allowed to be with Brant anyway.

As I re-entered the hall, Torrance gave me a questioning expression. I apologized and took his arm. His arm was very defined and even through his shirt, I felt the heat radiating from him. We walked in silence, neither of us knowing what to say towards the table that was set up for us. We really hadn't had many one-on-one conversations. If we were together, it was always with Brant or Falon, or both. I know Torrance wasn't shy, then again neither was I.

Even though I tried, Torrance noticed I was a bit distracted and asked if everything was ok. I put on the most convincing smile I could muster and nodded. Not sure he was fooled but he didn’t continue to ask questions.

There were two servers waiting for us. Torrance pulled my chair out for me and then seated himself. The first server poured our waters while the other left to retrieve our first dish.

Maybe I would play this night to my advantage. I could test out my chemistry with Torrance and make Brant jealous at the same time!. Raylen was beautiful and a better match for him. He couldn't deny our chemistry though. From our moment earlier, I knew he wanted me as much as I wanted him. I put my hand on Torrance's and asked what else he had planned for tonight, giving him a mischievous smirk. He seemed confused by my change in mood and enthusiasm but said we had the theatre all to ourselves after to watch whatever I would like. Perfect!