Sebastian sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as if he was trying to calm himself down. I didn’t see Seb lose his temper often, but when he did, it was usually the same culprit. “Look,” he ground out, “Just not tonight, okay? You can ask for all the wine you want on the plane ride back home.”
Lily huffed but she didn’t protest.
Before my siblings could continue their banter, the wooden door opened again and three new faces approached. I could tell immediately that they were the other. Alpha kids: there were three boys and one girl. They all looked like teenagers, close to Seb, Lily, and I’s ages.
“Well, hello. We were not expecting anyone else to be here yet,” one of the guys, a lanky Indian boy with curly hair and an accent spoke first. “I’m Aakesh, son of Rayaan and from the Vrka pack in South India.” He extended his hand for Sebastian to shake and smiled at Lily and me.
“And I’m Ezra,” the next boy interjected. He was just a hair taller than Aaekesh with chestnut brown hair and green eyes, but the most noticeable thing about him. was his British accent. “I’m from the Lock Heart Pack in England.” He didn’t bother to shake anyone’s hands but he shot a charming smile at Lily. a
Beside me, I heard Lily exhale and it sounded like relief.
The last guest was a tiny sl*p of a girl. She looked around my age, but she was tiny. She didn’t look any taller than five-feet and her platinum blonde hair was styled into braids.
While Ezra and Aakesh didn’t hesitate to introduce themselves or take their seats, the girl hung back by the door and avoided looking at anyone.
“That’s Angel,” Ezra piped up, “Don’t mind her. She’s painfully shy. Come on, Angel. Looks like you’re supposed to sit next to me.”
Even from my spot at the table, I could see Angel’s face flush completely red as she scurried to her seat. She reminded me of a house mouse or a kitten who was startled by loud noises.
“It’s nice to meet you all,” Sebastian said, “I’m Sebastian. These are my sisters, Lily and Clark. I heard there were four other guests. Is someone else coming?”
Aaekesh shook his head. “Yes, her name is Alessia. She was supposed to come, but I guess she wasn’t feeling well after her flight, so she passed on the dinner invitation.” Q
Sebastian nodded.
I looked over and as soon as Ezra locked eyes with me, his eyes widened in delight and his grin grew positively wolfish. “Clark,” he rolled my name on his tongue, “I can smell it, you’re the human one. I heard there would be a human here but I didn’t believe it.”
Instantly, I found myself wanting to shy away from his predatory gaze but I did my best to hold eye contact. “Yes, that’s me. The human one,” I said, and my tone came out a little more sarcastic than I intended it to.
you,” he
Ezra’s grin only grew. “This must be such an overwhelming experience for said, “Humans are so fragile. You must feel like the little mouse caught in the wolf den.” His tone was mocking, and I knew he was trying to intimidate me.
Not likely, asshole.
His voice made my skin crawl and I narrowed my eyes at him, but before I could respond, Sebastian stepped in. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak to my sister that way,” he said, his voice low and hard, “If you’ve got a question, you can direct it to me.”
In any other circumstance, I might’ve been annoyed with Sebastian’s.
overprotective older brother routine. But for once, I was grateful to have him there to back me up. I was out of my depth here, and Ezra was only the first reminder of how some of the wolves would see me here!
as prey.
“Of course, I hope I didn’t offend you,” Ezra apologized but there was nothing genuine about his words. Sebastian narrowed his eyes.
“Angel,” I said, trying to change the subject before Sebastian ended up in a brawl, “I love your dress. Where did you get it?” It was a lame misdirect but it worked. Angel, who had been staring at her lap since she’d sat down, finally looked up. When I caught sight of her face, I understood her name with big, green doe-eyes and l*ps shaped into a cupid’s bow, she definitely looked angelic.
“F-from my closet,” she stuttered out and her cheeks flushed red again. Her voice was light and tinkly, like a fairy.
I heard Lily quietly scoff beside me, but she didn’t comment.
“Well, uh, it’s very pretty,” I said. I wasn’t sure what else to say but at least I bur wasn’t lying. Her white sundress was cute, and if anything, it only completed her heavenly vibe. @
There was a pause of awkward silence, but it didn’t last long. The door on the other side of the room opened and an older woman in a maid’s uniform stepped through. “I am now announcing the arrival of Alpha King Alaric II and Beta William.”
I heard heavy footsteps stamping on the smooth marble, and then a man entered the room.
My breath caught in my throat.
It was the Alpha King.
“If every fool wore a crown, we should all be kings.”@
Proverb
Silence descended on the room like a thick blanket and the only sounds that could be heard were the clomping of boots.
The Alpha King was a tall, broad-shouldered man that stood at least 6’4. I could tell it was the same man from the painting – he had the same dark eyes and russet skin, but his hair was thinner, grayer and his face was stern.
He wore some kind of dark blue military uniform with gold buttons and the Bardot crest emblazoned on the front. “Well, it looks like I’m late to my own dinner party,” he said, stopping in front of his chair. His voice was far deeper than I thought it would be and it left an unpleasant knot in my stomach.
This guy is as intimidating as it gets.
Almost immediately, Sebastian, Lily, Aakesh, Ezra, and even Angel stood up, their chairs clanking against the marble floors. I scrambled up after them and hoped that the King hadn’t noticed my delay. Everyone sat back down once he was seated.
Why did nob*dy tell me there’s an entire royal etiquette at play here?
“You’re always late, Alaric,” another voice boomed, and I turned to see the other middle-aged man who had entered behind the King. He was just a hair shorter than the King but he was even brawnier in the chest and shoulders. He adorned the same dark blue military uniform but this one lacked the Bardot crest.
Unlike the Alpha King, there was nothing stern or hostile about this man. Hist greying red hair stuck out like a sore thumb and his eyes and smile were kind. He approached the chair at the other head of the table. Nob*dy stood up for him. O
“So are you, Beta Williams,” the Alpha King grinned, “But I don’t hold it against you. I’d like a glass of wine please – and one for my Beta too.” Although he hadn’t addressed anyone directly, another kitchen staff member seemed to materialize out of thin air with two glasses of red wine.
“Now, let’s get on with the first course please,” the Alpha King clapped his hands. together, “I’d like to meet all my wonderful guests.” Although he was smiling, his piercing stare put me on edge as his eyes raked around the room.
Several more kitchen staff entered the room, trays of roast chicken and raw fish in their hands. They scooped it out on our plates and I tried not to grimace at the fish. I’d never been able to stomach raw fish, not even sushi, but it didn’t feel like I had a choice here.
I dove into the roast chicken first and it was more decadent than I’d imagined. The flavor from the chicken and its lemon sauce practically exploded on my tongue.
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply