Elena's Pov
As we stepped down from the vehicle, I couldn't help but stare at the large building before us. The glass walls around it sparkled with flashing lights and colourful signs.
The dissonance of car horns and indistinct chatter from the crowd enveloped us. We walked into the mall, and I took a deep breath, shutting my eyes as I savoured the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.
However, I was in for a shock when Kyle's fingers brushed over mine, locking perfectly in place. My breath hitched, and I let out a shallow gasp as a tingling sensation ran through me.
Before I could react, a storm of people surrounded us. Their blinding lights and incessant questions sent a whirlwind of emotions through me, leaving me frozen on the spot.
Suddenly, Kyle pulled me tighter into his embrace, forcing a low moan to escape my lips. I could feel my n****e hardening from his warmth as we navigated through the crowd.
He ignored all the questions thrown at him until a nerve-racking question hit him, and I felt it because he paused, creasing his forehead.
He turned to the female reporter who asked, his eyes flashing crimson red. “She is not an escort!” He growled, his voice low and dangerous, “This is my mate and my future Luna! The next time you call her an escort, I'll feed your heart to the rogues!” he snarled, leaving the reporters trembling.
My cheeks flushed red, a knot twisting in my stomach. We finally made our way through them, and I couldn't help but imagine how protective he was back there. It stirred a bittersweet feeling in me.
•••
Later that day, we arrived at the Alpha's Manor. It was far more enticing than I imagined, but I couldn't ignore the fact that I still had a personal vendetta against them. Alpha Thane wanted me to stay back for dinner with his family while we awaited the pack anniversary celebration at dusk.
At the dinner table, Luna Melissa, who sat beside Alpha Thane, kept a scornful look each time she glanced in my direction. I wondered why she seemed so disapproving. She had defended Laura earlier, which meant she wasn't buying the prophecy thing. A good point to note.
She turned to her husband, disappointed, “I can't believe we allowed a mannerless wolf into our midst to dine with us, all in the name of a mate bond.” She sneered, her irritation palpable.
“Melissa! I thought we've already settled this,” Alpha Thane said, placing his fork down, “Let's just have a peaceful dinner together, please.”
As much as I wanted to get back at her, I had to avoid her gaze, especially her questions. Now I was in their midst, I wouldn't want to reveal anything about myself. If they discovered that my Dad was a traitor, I could be instantly killed.
Just when I thought it was over, she threw a question at me, “And what kind of a wolf are you? Ha! It's quite obvious you're a filthy omega. Only omegas end up as maids.” She scoffed, rubbing it on my face.
I forced a smile, quickly returning to my dish. If I was truly an omega, which I wasn't, why then did Beta Jacob try to suppress my wolf? And how am I still living with such an amount of wolfsbane in my system?
“Ehem!” Alpha Thane pushed his food away this time, losing his appetite, “I think I'm done here. You all should be ready in an hour.” He stood with a frown, and Luna Melissa pleaded for him to stay.
As I tried to enjoy the dish, I heard the clicking sound of heels approaching our direction. Perplexed, I looked around and noticed they were all caught off guard and weren't expecting anyone.
To my surprise, Laura walked in dressed impeccably. She wore a silver gown with shiny stones, dazzling under the chandelier’s rays above us. Luna Melissa's face brightened, and I realised that she must have invited her while Kyle looked surprised but glad she was there.
I was taken aback when I felt a warm, soft palm desperately holding onto my thighs. It was Annabel; her eyes were pleading as Laura sat down beside her.
Memories of how she ran away after seeing Laura with a shard of glass reeled in my mind. I could almost feel the terror she must have felt in that moment. As I looked at her now, I saw the same fear lingering in her eyes.
I gave her a reassuring smile, trying to calm her nerves. Then, I gently switched places with her, positioning myself between her and Laura. The little child's face relaxed, and I could see the relief wash over her.
“Thank you!” She mouthed, returning the smile. I felt glad I could help.
“You're welcome,” I smiled back, returning to the veggie salad before me.
Laura drew closer to me, her voice barely above a whisper, “Look at you acting all nice to her, thinking you can win her heart. Karma is a little b***h you know.” She scoffed with a subtle smile.
“Let's not do this now, Laura. We both know I never wanted any part in this,” I said, my voice tight. I knew I hurt her with every second I spent with Kyle, but this was far beyond my control. I still couldn't comprehend how we suddenly changed from besties to enemies.
However, she responded with just a smirk. What she did next left me speechless. She cleared her throat drawing everyone's attention, before standing up.
“What's the matter, Laura?” Kyle was the first to ask, but she remained silent as if trying to get Alpha Thane's attention.
“I… I don't know how to say this,” she muttered, placing her words carefully. Alpha Thane looked up from his food, his eyes scrutinising her.
My palms grew sweaty and sweat bulbs began forming on my forehead as I noticed him. Whatever she was up to, it was far from good.
Laura's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. Absent-mindedly, I began gripping the table mat with my heart in my mouth.
“It's about Elena and her par…” she trailed off again, testing Alpha Thane's patience. As expected, he glared at her dangerously and I swallowed a lump down my throat.
Whatever she wanted to say, she wanted him pissed before she did.
“Are you gonna say whatever you have in mind to say? Or should I tear your mouth open and bring them out?” Alpha Thane growled, his voice shaking the room, and Laura shuddered in fear.
“I'm trying… it's just that… I…” she trailed off again. Alpha Thane triggered, slamming the table with sheer strength, snapping it in two. The glasses and plates turned into a jumbled mess, forcing everyone to stand up with their eyes wide open.
“Are you trying to get yourself killed or what?” Kyle asked in terror, knowing how his father hated Laura.
My heart clenched hard in my chest, and my vision became blurry. I was utterly petrified by Laura's antics.
Suddenly, Laura's voice cut through the silence, after enraging the Alpha's beast. I closed my eyes, awaiting his lethal reaction. My stomach tightened with a mix of anticipation and dread.