Chapter 6: Luncheon
The luncheon was on the lawn between the five mansions. These homes were huge, light blue, and arranged in a semicircle. Each house had 5 floors and each floor could hold an Alpha with their entourage. During most tournaments the houses weren't filled to capacity but I was told there could be up to 25 Alphas at this one.
I noticed two more homes under construction behind the 5 existing mansions. Was our region expanding so rapidly we could potentially have 35 Alphas?
My seat was at the center of the long table. They were assigned alphabetically by pack. Every seat except two were already occupied. I sat down at 12:01. The other vacant seat sat to my left. The card said Alpha of Silver Pack. Interesting. My card read Alpha of Sun Pack. Our pack was traditional, we used our Latin names in reference to others. In my opinion, they sounded more regal than their English translation.
The speech about alliances, challenges, and playing fair was short and sweet. During the part about proper challenge etiquette, the Alpha of the Silver Pack arrived. He sat down quietly, as not to disturb the other Alphas. His scent was of spice and wood. My wolf woke up and was staring at his turned head. His eyes were on the speaker, so she continued staring at his dark brown wavy hair that fell around his ears.
*Why are you noticing him so much? Revenge for Niveus and her pack? Curiosity? You know curiosity killed the cat...*
*First, I resent being called a cat.* She was very catlike though, for a wolf... *Secondly, satisfaction brought it back.*
*Satisfaction brings the cat back?*
She severed our conversation, all her energy focused on the back of his head. Annoyed I looked away, realizing they were announcing new Alphas. I clapped with the others as one man stood and introduced himself. There were 5 new Alphas this year. An unprecedented high for our region. I'd been an Alpha for years but technically couldn't join the tournament until I was 21.
Two more men rose and the other applauded. I knew alphabetically, he would go first. I wasn't prepared for my wolf to be such a whiny little...
"Alpha of Silver Pack." He rose and turned our way. His eyes trailed to my chest and back up again quickly. Diverting his eyes to the other Alphas, he spoke loud with authority. "My name is Basileus Rex. Please, call me Rex."
I almost forgot to applaud as my wolf struggled to take control.
*MATE* She screamed.
My chest was on fire. Eyes changed from green to yellow orange then back again. I always won when it came to battling for control.
If Rex noticed, he didn't show it. One perk of my necklace was to control the powers of the Moon Goddess. That means my mate can't tell who I am. Males can't tell when I'm in heat. Silver doesn't burn my skin. Wolfsbane does nothing. The list goes on. Finally, I'm announced.
"Last, but not least, the Alpha of Sun Pack."
I stand and square my shoulders, looking at each Alpha briefly before speaking. "I am Regina Nox. I have been waiting for this opportunity for 5 years." Alphas laugh as they clap. I sit down and raise my glass of champagne. All eyes are on me and everyone complies.
The Alpha giving the speech concludes and we settle into our meals.
I could feel Praesul fuming. She wasn't used to me dominating her in this way. It was exhausting. I decide to make small talk with the Alpha of the Timberwood Pack. He sits to my right. I reach for my glass and brush hands with Alpha Rex. An electric current jolts my hand and I retrieve it hastily.
Our eyes meet and his stare didn't convey any recognition. Praesul whimpers.
"That's my glass." I say, grabbing it and taking a sip.
He looked at his place settings and nodded in agreement. "You're correct."
That didn't sound like much of an apology to me. He reaches for his own glass and takes a sip. "I usually am."
His eyes narrow at me. "Why do I get the feeling you're being completely honest when you say that?"
I shrug. "Honesty is a pillar of valor. How can you be brave if you can't face the truth?"
*OH THE IRONY* Praesul screams at me. *Our mate is RIGHT THERE and you won't even tell him!*
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone