Bred By The Boulderback Alpha

Pack Dinner

Chapter 16 - Pack Dinner

Aurora POV

After spending the rest of the morning surfing through lists of local jobs on the new brand phone Orion provided for me, I was surprised when he gave it to me this morning, rubbing the back of his neck with a shyness I didn't know. He said, “If you don't mind.”

And I didn't mind at all. My previous phone and everything else was taken by Knox that night. I let out a heavy sigh, not wanting to dive into unwanted memories as I blinked, going back to look at the job listings.

I couldn't do manual labor, not administrative files, and a few minutes later, I saw a role for teaching kids, and I knew I was a terrible teacher. Talking from experience with my younger siblings.

The only remaining option was the tavern. The medieval-style bar upstairs from the underground MC arena. It was lively and required the kind of social grace I actually possessed from years in the modeling industry.

When I told Orion, he let out a deep, rumbling grunt of dissatisfaction. His jaw clenched, but seeing the determination in my eyes, he finally relented.

“Fine,” he growled softly, leaning over to cup my cheek. “But if anyone—human or shifter—gives you even a fraction of a problem, you call me immediately. And you come home the second your shift ends.”

I smiled happily, throwing my arms around his neck excitedly while nodding in agreement, but I wasn't able to start my training at the bar yet because tonight was the bi-yearly pack dinner. Orion explained that twice a year, the entire clan gathered for a banquet to bond, share resources, and maintain solidarity. And as his mate, he was taking me along.

Nerves wrecked my stomach as I got ready. I chose a light blue, knee-length flowery gown. The bodice packed my breasts securely, offering support without needing to wear a bra, and the vibrant blue color beautifully brought out my skin tone. I styled my hair up with silver pins, leaving a few curled strands to frame my face.

When I walked down the stairs, Orion’s breath caught. He looked devastatingly tempting in a dark leather jacket and dark jeans.

“You look beautiful, my dawn,” he murmured, his eyes tracking the curves of the dress.

When we arrived at the massive timber banquet hall, the volume of the room dropped immediately to silence. People stood up from their tables, their eyes widening in shock to see their Alpha walking in with a human woman on his arm.

The elders—I didn't need to be told because they were wearing white cloaks at the front table—collectively gulped, whispering furiously among themselves, but they all lowered their heads in a respectful bow as Orion guided me past.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Josephine. She was sitting with a group of younger females, glaring at me with a face so twisted by rage she looked feral, and I wiped my eyes away.

We bypassed the tables before Orion led me to a slightly elevated, private table set just for the two of us. I saw Roland with Jasmine in his lap, Liam and Rook on another table next to ours.

Despite his preceding look and aura, the moment the food was served, his demeanor shifted into gentleness. He pulled a platter of baked fish toward himself, meticulously picking out every single tiny bone with his fingers before placing the clean, perfect pieces onto my plate with a soft smile.

Halfway through the dinner, one of the young pack maids hurried over to refill my glass with red wine. Her hand shook, her foot caught the edge of the table, and with a gasp, the glass tilted, pouring the dark red liquid across my lap and down my thigh.

The maid paled instantly, dropping to her head to apologize profusely, and I offered her a reassuring, warm smile, waving off her panic.

“It’s completely fine, it was just an accident,” I told her softly.

Turning to Orion, I patted his arm. “I’m just going to find the ladies' room to clean this up.”

Orion half-stood, his hand instantly catching my waist. “Do you want me to follow you?”

I giggled softly, pressing a hand to his chest. “I think I can manage to find a restroom on my own, Alpha,” I teased, and I saw his eyes darken before I sauntered away.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, finishing up using a wet paper towel to dab at my gown. A sad sigh escaped my lips. The dark red wine had left a stain right across the front of my dress.

Tossing the towel in the bin, I turned to leave the restroom, only to freeze the second I stepped out into the secluded, dimly lit hallway.

Josephine was standing there, intercepting my path. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her chin tucked down as she tried to intimidate me, but I smirked, not backing down as I pulled myself up to my full height, making sure to look at her with condescension despite her being taller than me.

I mirrored her action, crossing my arms under my chest, which made it jut out more and clearly showed the difference in size. Her eyes widened, and she dropped her hands beside her before she seethed.

“Go back to where you came from,” Josephine growled, her voice laced with menace. “You don't belong here.”

An amused smile spread across my lips as I tilted my head to the side, meeting her eyes. “And what if I say no?”

“You!” She hissed, her fingers twitching.

I let a mocking smirk grace my lips as I deliberately stepped closer to her. “If you’re so angry about me being here, Josephine, why don’t you go tell Orion about your dissatisfaction?” I raised two fingers. “Oh, wait... is it because you're terrified of him?”

I taunted, my voice dripping with sweet venom. I couldn't forget how sad and hurt she made me feel from her lies. And she was also claiming my man.

Josephine recoiled, her eyes flashing with a mix of shock and fury. “Just stay on your high horse for now, human,” she spat, pointing a trembling, accusing finger in my face. “Because when you fall, I will—”

I didn't let her finish as I took one final step forward, crowding her against the corridor wall. “And from what I heard, I heard you were just deluding yourself into thinking you were his betrothed.” I let out a dramatic, mocking gasp, pressing a hand to my chest. “Touché.”

Without waiting for her response, I turned and walked straight past her, intentionally slamming my shoulder hard against hers as I walked through the corridor.

I grinned, swaying my hip happily.

One point for me! And it felt so good.