Juniper POV
I felt like a breathing, living Barbie doll. My hair had been forced into soft waves, my face had been painted, and my poor feet forced into what constituted as torturous heels. The only thing that briefly comforted me was the colour of my dress, a deep forest green that reminded me of the scenery outside that I was determined to escape to, the second I had a chance.
The grounds were lit up with fairy lights all over. Tables were carefully arranged with beautiful centrepieces of wildflowers and pure white cloths. A band played soft music in the background, and omegas drifted between the crowd offering food and drinks.
It was elegant, festive and no different to other parties we’d hosted over the years. So boring it brought tears to my eyes.
I mean, at least spruce it up a little: bright colours, balloons, a clown, a petting zoo would be far more interesting.
Nobody could resist a petting zoo. If they did, then they were seriously disturbed.
But that was only my opinion.
Caelen found me as usual. He always did. I was at the back, simply observing everyone and pinching the occasional glass of champagne that was meant to be strictly off limits. I was underage, but that wasn't stopping me.
I needed something to get me through the night.
“You, okay? It should only be for a few hours,” he said softly, knowing I hated crowds, “and once the Blackthorne twins have arrived, mother and father probably won’t even notice you’ve left.”
It was meant to be comforting.
I snorted.
“The only reason they even know I’m here right now is that mother wanted to check I looked respectable,” I said sarcastically as he hid his grin, “otherwise I might as well be a light fixture for all they care. They just don’t want to be humiliated. I feel like I’m walking on a balance beam with snakes hissing under it.”
Actually, that would be preferable to joining this party.
“Very imaginative,” Caelen teased, “try not to get too drunk sis, it won’t help if you end up throwing all over the guests.”
“No promises,” I mumbled, putting my empty glass on a nearby tray as the omega frowned at me in disapproval.
I was used to that expression. I merely winked at them. They turned away as though personally offended.
There was a sudden stillness in the crowd. Everybody seemed to be gathering together. I could see women nudging one another, see eyes turning in one direction. They were acting as though celebrities had come waltzing into our midst. Unless it was one of the Jonas brothers, I wasn’t interested.
Or Jason Momoa.
“It looks like the Blackthorn twins have arrived,” Caelen breathed, putting a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I’m going to go greet them, Juniper, and join mom and dad. Want to come?” he half-turned to me, already knowing my answer.
“I would rather find the nearest ditch and die,” I said succinctly.
He just gave a huff of laughter and hurried off, shaking his head and grinning to himself.
I turned and then paused, my nose crinkling.
I could smell the delicious scent of pine needles and rain. It was a scent I had always liked and relished after a storm. It was familiar to me and comforting.
Strange.
The crowd began to part, women looking disappointed. I watched, my curiosity piqued.
I wondered whether these alpha twins were as remarkable as people tended to believe they were.
Part of me suspected that it was all exaggeration.
It was said they were extremely handsome, wealthy, ruthless, and possessed a strength that people referred to as ‘godlike.’
Utter horseshit if you ask me.
If they were so godlike, then why would they even remotely consider an alliance with our pack?
Still, I couldn’t deny my curiosity, and so I stepped forward, sniffing that beautiful scent and breathing it in deeply. Was it my imagination, or was it getting stronger?
My mouth salivated.
Then I saw them. The very guests that were causing a stir amongst the crowd, and every woman within two feet looked like they would start a catfight with one another at any moment to have a chance to become Luna.
The infamous Alpha twins. Their hair was a gorgeous raven black, and their green eyes reminded me of the moss that grew on trees. They had strong jawlines, broad shoulders, and stood over 6” tall. They wore trousers and white shirts with the sleeves rolled up, showing how defined their biceps were.
It was a stunning sight. One I appreciated immensely.
It didn't hurt to look, did it?
Our eyes met. The boys stiffened. I felt it then, the snap of what I can only imagine as a rubber band between us, and that’s when I knew.
Fuck. The moong goddess sure as hell had a sense of humor.
“Mate,” they roared, making a move towards me, both of them fixated on my face.
Possessive little bastards. Probably thought I would be grateful to have the likes of them interested in the likes of me.
Their mistake.
“No,” I said bluntly, halting them in their tracks. “You’re both pretty boys,” I nodded at them, “but I’m not interested, thank you very much. Have a great time at the party,” I trilled.
Their jaws went slack in disbelief. Like they couldn't believe I had refused them.
I took advantage of the distraction to take a nearby piece of cake and skip out of the room, unfazed in the slightest.
Who needs a mate when you can have cake?
Two mates just seemed like too much work. Cake was infinitely more manageable.
However, a part of me also realized with an awkward grimace that this time might be the first time the Blackthorn twins had heard the word no. If that was the case, then I doubted they were about to let this go.
Men were such prideful creatures.
So predictable too.
Of course, they came running after me.
It was too bad I had no intentions of becoming another notch in their belt or a bird in a gilded cage.
If they were looking for an obedient, submissive girl to call their mate, then they would be better off looking elsewhere.