This is not the time and place.
COLE’S POV.
The night was coming in hot.
I looked at my mate dressed in a flawless blue crystal dress. The dress shimmered in the dark as the droopy diamonds gave the illusion of stars falling from the sky.
Everything was perfect. My Calla was the perfect bride. Tonight, I would declare her the Luna and she would bear my mark. The workers exited the room, leaving me with a perfectly dressed Calla in my chambers.
This was going to be our shared home after tonight. She just didn’t know it yet.
So far she had been in the best character. I didn’t know if it was because it was my birthday or she’d turned a new leaf. I hoped it was the latter because the last thing I wanted was to make her into the Luna I knew and deserved.
“You look so beautiful, my Calla,” I whispered into my ears.
“Thank you,” She said, and bowed her head, revealing the beautiful crown made out of braid.
Tonight, I let them stretch her hair. It seemed like my Calla preferred her hair longer and I thought It’d be good to have her hair in the way she chose tonight.
She might as well take it as our wedding night. Afterwards, I would own her completely and make her the woman she was destined to be. I opened my mouth to speak when a voice rang in my head.
“Alpha. We have a problem.” Came the voice of one of my trusted guards.
I scrunched my nose in confusion, “What is the matter?” I asked, finding my way to the home office in my bedroom.
I didn’t miss the slump of her shoulders when I backed away from her. Was she hurt by my retreat or relieved? I wondered as I waited for a response.
I hoped it was the former because it would suck if she were already tired of me when we had forever to go. It was darn too early if you ask me.
“They are here.” A panicked voice said in my head and I felt irritated. “The Alpha of the Blood Hound pack is here!”
My eyes shot up at the information received. What in the world? I hastily left my office, and Calla gauged me with confusion.
I approached her and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Someone will come and get you. I need to leave first.” I said, and without waiting for a response, I left my abode, sending instructions to Scarlett on my mate while I headed to the borders.
Thanks to my wolf, I was before Zadok in minutes. And I wasn’t pleased.
“Alpha Zadok,” I said, stepping forward. “What an unpleasant surprise.”
He smirked. He had the nerve to smirk at me.
“Alpha Cole!” If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was excited to see me. “I heard it was your birthday and you were throwing a party. I couldn’t miss it for the world.” Sarcasm dripped from his tone. “I even brought gifts!”
Zadok snapped his fingers and some wolves came forward, placing gifts on the floor. I couldn’t believe my eyes. He came prepared.
“Oh thank you,” I said with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “However, I don’t recall inviting you to this occasion.” I started, “Not to be a bad sport, but you see, this event is strictly by invitation and although I appreciate your gesture, you can’t attend.”
Zadok laughed, and I fought the urge to punch him in the face. “Oh come on, Cole! One would think you are hiding something from me. Everyone else got an invite to the party. I didn’t mind and shamelessly appeared here and you want to throw me out too?” He inquired and I felt my jaws tightened.
“It’s just a party. There’s nothing big about it. I’d think you would be busy with pack matters. You needn’t waste your time in frivolous activities like this.”
“Let me be the judge of that. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy after all.” Zadok said with his head tilted.
For a second, I contemplated opening a battle with them and chopping his head off. But on second thought, I decided to let him in. What could go wrong?
Everything was going wrong.
Zadok and his entourage entered the venue, commanding attention. I’d received word that Scarlett was on her way with Calla. The last thing I needed was a repeat of the last time.
Hell, I didn’t even want him anywhere close to my Calla – Especially at a time like this. I was going to have to suck it up and make this as short as possible.
Heads turned and I looked in the direction of the door. There she was. My Calla – Shining brightly like she was meant to be.
I scrunched my nose when I realised what was missing. I wasn’t by her side. I needed to be by her side, to stake my claim on her.
I got up and made my way through to her with a smile on my face.
With adoring eyes on us, I gave her my hand, and she took it without hesitation. A smirk plastered on my face as I led her to my table, not too far from Zadoks.
You know the saying. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
I ate up the attention that came with having Calla by my side. All eyes were on us, including Zadok who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here. Maybe it wasn’t a bad idea having him over.
It would be great to have him witness my union with her tonight. You guessed it. She was going to bear my mark right in their presence. My wolf purred in delight. Hopefully, the third time’s the charm.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“Happy birthday Alpha.” The people chorused and I raised my glass.
It was indeed a beautiful day.
Scar sat beside Calla, whose eyes couldn’t leave Zadok’s table. I wavered at the thought of her getting her memories back with their appearance.
I dragged Scar to my side and ordered, “Get the stage ready. I need to mark her in five minutes.” I said and she nodded, relaying my orders to the people in charge.
I thought it was over until I saw Athaliah, dressed like a slut and making her way into the hall.
“Stop her,” I ordered the guards via mind link and she was taken out of sight.
“I’ll be back in a few, My love,” I said to Calla as I got on my feet. Then to Scarlett, I ordered. “She never leaves your sight.”
With a hurried pace, I made my way out of the hall, looking for Athaliah. As I threaded the halls, a door suddenly opened and I was dragged in.
My first instinct was to twist their neck but when I felt the familiar soft hands of Athaliah, groping me, I relented. “Are you crazy?” I whispered angrily. “I told you not to attend today’s meeting.”
“I never agreed not to come.” She cooed, and I felt her cold hands touch my member, who stood in command. “He seems excited to see me.”
I held her hands from touching me further. “This is not the time and place,” I said with gritted teeth.
“Didn’t take you as one who played by the rules, Alpha.” She bit her lips. “I’ll be quick. It’s your big day after all.” She got to her knees, batting her eyes as she licked the tip of my erection. “You deserve it.”
My eyes fluttered close and I let her do what she knew best. She was my slut after all.