Spare For The Alpha

Orange cake

I looked in the mirror at myself as Theo came upstairs. ‘Wow Clem, you look amazing. You’ve even brushed your hair.’ Thank you Theo. Such a compliment. The dress was perfect. It accentuated my curves so well. I teamed it with some gold heels and my locket. I hadn’t worn it since the night I’d received it, but it stood out against the dress really well. I didn’t really know much about what this evening would entail. I hoped there was food though because I was starving.

When we arrived at the pack house, the gala room was set up with round tables, covered with white table cloths and gold candelabras in the centre. The chairs were gold with white cushions and there was a red carpet to walk down which led to the leading table.

The alpha table was on a stage facing the doors so that everyone could see them. In front of the table were two thrones which seated Vivian and Seymour. Nobody was sat at the table behind it yet. ‘So Mum and Dad will say a speech then pass their crowns to Quinn and Em. We have to stand at the side of the stage whilst this is happening. They will stand beside them for some photos. Then stand with us whilst some photos are being taken and Quinn makes a speech. Once that’s done, someone will put the chairs at this table and we can sit down.’ He explained. I’m glad he knew what I was thinking but the lump in my throat was preventing me from speaking.

Omegas had to sit at the back tables closest to the doors, followed by the Gamma wolves, then Betas and other Alphas from the other packs. An Alpha couldn’t be officially crowned or step up from his father until he had found his mate. One he had found his mate, a crowning takes place once they are 21 then a wedding would shortly follow within the year. Hopefully, I wouldn’t have to attend that. It was all very formal and political. It meant that the closest tables were already mated. Nobody could step foot near these tables either so there was no chance of my fated mate finding me.

‘This sucks worse than when you didn’t let the postman f**k us.’ Tine declared.

‘Wonderful words of wisdom as always Tine.’

I watched as they crowned Quinn and Emily, the Alpha and Luna. I watched as he kissed her and everyone cheered. I watched as their chairs were pushed back to the table and everyone cheered again and raised a toast. I watched as everyone sat down and my name card was seated next to Emily. They might as well just poison me at this point. They really like adding fuel to the fire.

As we had to do another toast, a group one so that we could look great in the media. Everyone leaned their champagne glass into the middle. I saw Quinn look at me, then down at the locket. Sadness flashed on his eyes for only a second before he did a big Alpha smile and put on a show. ‘The one male in here we didn’t want crawling to us and he’s drooling from the mouth.’ Tine said. ‘He isn’t drooling is he?’ I rolled my eyes.

‘Fine, he’s nearly crying over you. See how his tears taste when I rip his balls off.’ Tine was furious. She hated Quinn. ‘To think we nearly fell for him. I bet she wears her bra and socks to bed, when they make love. I hope he has missionary s*x for the rest of his life.’ I spat out my drink across the table as the whole table looked at me. Theo burst out laughing. ‘Sorry guys. I’ll hold out on the jokes at dinner.’

‘Thank you’ I whispered as he placed his hand on my back and handed me a serviette. He was such a sweetheart. Sometimes he could be more like a big brother than a little brother. I swore to always protect him and he promised to always protect me. When I’d tried to escape he would always sneak me back in and never tell a soul. He didn’t want me to get caught incase I ended up dead, but sometimes I felt like it would be a better option. I was never supposed to be the girl who was locked in the ivory tower.

As dinner finally came out, I could smell the most delicious smell. I was starving. Only the smell and the taste of dinner didn’t match up. Maybe it was the second dish. It was like rum, and oranges mixed together. Perhaps it was dessert, I’d always had a sweet tooth. I didn’t care much for liquor desserts though.

I got up to leave for the bathroom. ‘Clementine, our bathroom is to the back. Please don’t use the public bathroom.’ Vivian chimed. What did she think I was going to do? Mate with someone in the toilets. I had more class than that. ‘I don’t.’ Tine disagreed.

I went to the toilet and as I washed my hands, Quinn came in. He came right for me, pushing me up against the wall causing me to lose my breath. I hated him so much but this was pretty hot. I smirked at him but he didn’t smirk back. He looked so angry. ‘Why are you with my brother wearing a necklace that I gave you.’ He demanded.

‘Because your Mother forced Theo to bring me as his date.’ I spat.

He held my locket in his hand, and I could see him shaking with anger. ‘This was a gift to someone special to me. Someone I never thought would lie. Not a seductress trying to worm her way into the Alpha family.’ He ripped it off the chain and put it in his pocket. Tears began to flow heavily down my face but he didn’t deserve them. How many times would I say it would be the last time he made me cry.

He stepped back from me to leave the bathroom. ‘Clean yourself up. You will not sit at my table in that state.’ He bellowed at me. You’re not supposed to look the Alpha in the eyes or disrespect them. I now had to show him the respect he thinks he deserves but I won’t lower my head. I swallowed my pride and looked him in the eyes. ‘Yes Alpha.’

He looked at my for a second, lust filling in his eyes before he lifted me onto the sink unit, putting his hand up my dress and squeezing the very top of my thigh. His lips were so close to mine that they were nearly touching. I could feel his breath on me as he looked down at my lips and back into my eyes. ‘Get used to saying that name, because one day you’ll be screaming it.’

Quinn stormed out of the bathroom leaving me panting. I was completely breathless, I hated him but wanted him all at the same time. ‘What the f**k just happened?’ Tine asked. I didn’t know myself. Why would he say something like that? As I walked back to the table I was distracted by the smell again. Yes! Desserts here which means it should be finishing soon. Disappointing. It was another course. All the courses were tiny and irrelevant. A tiny bread roll, a cold soup. Why would you cook a soup to then cool it to fridge temperature to serve? Rich people. That’s why. Then there was a small meat course about as big as my fingernail, a sorbet, then this veggie dish.

My mouth was watering, and it wasn’t for the aubergine. ‘All I can smell is the dessert.’ I said to Theo as he burst out laughing. ‘Apple pie is the best’ he replied. ‘My nose doesn’t lie.’ I laughed, tapping my nose. ‘It’s something with oranges. I’m thinking cake.’ I grinned. He shook his head and ate his thumb sized vegetable. I’d always been competitive, but more so now. Anything to liven up this dinner.

As the dessert came out and they started to place an apple pie in front of me I had to say to speak up. ‘Sorry, this looks delicious. I chose orange cake though if it’s possible to have that one.’ I smiled awkwardly. ‘Sorry ma’am. It’s a set menu. The only option is Apple pie I’m afraid. You can choose cream or custard though?’ She replied kindly. My cheeks blushed red as I chose the cream and stared down at the table. Theo was in hysterics. I think I’d made his night.

‘Well someone has sneaked in orange cake.’ I huffed as he laughed again, and I kicked him under the table.

‘If you keep playing footsie with me, I’m going to think you want me.’ He winked. I was speechless.

I looked ahead and sniffed. The smell was coming from one of the front tables. I couldn’t work out which one but my guess would be the one on the far right. I was on the left of the room so quite a distance to me. I stared at the table, trying to see who had the cake. ‘Clem, are you going to leap on them and steal the cake?’ Theo laughed. I sat back. ‘No, no. It’s just keeping me occupied.’ I shrugged.