My biggest embarrassment

Becky 's POV

I didn’t think I’d spend my eighteenth birthday at a party that wasn’t for me, but here I was. To be honest I was not sure why I didn’t expect it. My sister had after all picked my birthday for her wedding date. As if she wasn’t already the center of our father’s universe.

Unlike last year when he’d at least remembered to wish me a happy birthday, he hadn’t remembered this time and I tried not to show it but it kinda hurt.

I supposed I should be happy. Usually, I get left at home when my dad goes for pack meetings and parties but Marietta 's invite had specifically demanded the presence of all family and as Luna, Dad was bound to obey her even though she was his daughter.

So he’d reluctantly let me tag along and now I was at my first party save the reception at Marietta ’s wedding to Alpha Lucas.

Marietta had outdone herself with the party, putting up thrilling decorations with platters of food arranged in a buffet. The music was great and thankfully not loud enough that my sensitive wolf ears were hurt.

If I closed my eyes, I could almost pretend all of this was for me. The friends and family were gathered to wish me happy birthday and my dad was leading them on.

I’d put some effort into my looks today, using mascara to outline my blue eyes and setting my long dark hair into playful curls. A blue sundress and flat, strappy sandals completed the ensemble and for once I look pretty good. Even Marietta hadn’t been able to complain too much after seeing me.

Several packmates sent me complimentary looks but no one tried to speak to me and I didn't expect them to. I was an omega after all. Pretty dress or not. My wolf preened at the rare bit of attention but seeing several unfamiliar faces also in attendance made her nervous. She didn't like the smell of strange wolves and to be honest neither did I.

Considering the very real threat of the Lycan King hanging over our heads, I didn't think it was wise to invite so many non-pack wolves onto pack territory. So far LorganKnight, the Lycan King had conquered some of the largest packs on this side of the Adirondacks.

Our pack was rumored to be next on his list and I didn’t think Marietta and Alpha Lucas were taking it seriously enough. Maybe I was just being paranoid but I couldn’t shake off the ill feeling I kept getting anytime I locked eyes with any of the strange wolves.

Deciding to distract myself with some food, I raided the buffet and made way with a few pieces of velvet cake. Marietta would nag me about how much carbs I was going through but I felt like I could at least have up to three pieces of cake on my birthday.

Like everything else I’d eaten at this party, it was delicious and I took my sweet time working through each of my pieces. Since I was now an adult, I slid a glass of champagne from a serving waiter and used it to wash down my cake.

The sound of metal hitting glass dragged my attention to the stage. Alpha Lucas stood there beaming with Marietta next to him. They made a very attractive couple all dressed in their finery and hanging all over each other. If not that she’d totally hijacked my birth date I might have thought them cute.

“Hello everyone. Can I have a word?” Lucas said and clicked his glass again. That was enough to have everyone paying attention.

“Alright, so Marietta and I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for joining us here today to celebrate one year of bliss, peace, and prosperity.” There was a small cheer and a round of applause at that. Lucas and Marietta smiled until the noise died down once again.

“Now, I know many of us have heard the rumors of the Lycan King’s invasion of neighboring packs. I’m sure you all have your fears and concerns.” He cast his gaze around the entire room, seeming to look each person in the eye.

“I want to assure you all that the Luna and I are taking utmost precautions to protect our pack and keep you safe from any who seek to subdue you. The Silver Fang pack is a proud, old family and we will not yield to any so-called Conqueror.” Another hearty cheer rose and Lucas’s eyes flashed so fiercely that my wolf immediately felt somewhat secure.

I could feel her stronger than I had the entire night, restless and almost excited. Perhaps it was the energy coming off the Alpha. It was enough to captivate any member of the pack, much less an omega like me.

“I swear to you that I, Lucas, will protect you as your Alpha. The Lycan King will not find us so meek and easy should he choose to pick a fight with us!” Another loud cheer arose at Lucas’s words.

He grinned down at us looking through the crowd. His gaze swept closer and closer, my wolf braced at its pull as if waiting for him to look at us. I was wondering why she was so agitated when his gaze fell on me.

I’ve locked eyes with Lucas countless times before and after he married my sister. We’ve laughed together a few times and even hugged once. Never has it felt like this.

Immediately our eyes met, I knew. His words trailed off abruptly, his nostrils flared and his eyes burned with such a hue that it almost hurt to look at. My heart beat fiercely in my chest, the sound roaring in my ears and dulling all others.

The glass slipped from my hands and shattered on the floor, but I hardly noticed. I couldn’t look away from the dark, commanding gaze. My wolf didn’t want me to.

Instead, she pushed me forward, propelling me towards the crowd to go to him. To go where I was supposed to be. I’d long finished the cake, but the scent of red velvet -my favorite scent- was stronger than ever.

I kept walking towards him as if pulled by some unknown imaginary string. It wasn’t until Marietta grabbed his hand and pulled him closer to her was whatever spell that came over me broke.

I blinked, the rest of the room coming into focus. I almost didn’t believe what had happened, if not for the red rage in Marietta ’s eyes and the shock emanating from everyone else, I would have probably gaslighted myself into believing something else. But it had happened. Lucas was my mate. My heart raced as I stared at him.

Everyone had seen and now they all knew I was the Alpha’s true mate. Not my sister. Lucas stood rooted to the spot, his expression caught between need and disbelief. I’d just ruined their entire anniversary party but my wolf didn’t want to hear it. It was incredibly difficult to keep my body from going forward and tearing Marietta off my mate.

My brain could recognize that she was only looking out for her husband but my wolf wasn’t having it. It took everything in my power to keep her from bursting out of my skin. It was bad enough being an Omega in a family of Alphas. Now I was going to be tagged a homewrecker too?

Embarrassed, I turned to flee the scene freezing in my tracks when I sensed Lucas move behind me. Marietta shouted after him but he paid her no heed and I turned in time to see him stalking towards me, dangerous intent in his eyes.

I stood rooted to the spot terrified of what was going to happen but my wolf was all excited. I barely had the time to brace before his firm lips crushed mine. I took a deep breath and returned the kiss with more intensity. Vaguely, I was aware of people watching, my sister watching but I couldn't bring myself to care.

The scent of him; pine and red velvet, wafted headily into my senses and I luxuriated in it. His tongue prodded my lips, demanding entrance into my mouth and I instinctively opened for him. I couldn’t move. I could barely breathe and I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

Hunger, deep and primal, clawed at my gut and I roved my lips against his, desperate to find succor. Past the purring of my wolf and the beating of my heart, I could hear the uproar around us.

The outrage was more than palpable but my wolf didn’t care. She had found her mate and that was all that mattered.

Marietta ’s scream penetrated the fog around my mind and just as the shock and lust wore off, as reason returned to my senses and I understood the gravity of what I was doing, Lucas pushed me away.

I stared up at him with a dark, hooded gaze, too far gone to recognize the shift in his expression from lust to anger. Or maybe I did notice but I didn’t care.

“Lucas,” I whispered and reached out for him.

He flinched. “Stay the hell away from me you stupid whore.” He yelled and then he slapped me. The entire room went silent after that.