Chapter 2 - Gossip Girls

Ari's POV

In the limo, Ani began telling me about all the different people that have been rumored to be making an appearance, even though some of them are already mated. I was kind of curious why mated wolves would be attending, but she explained that because my father is hosting, no one wants to seem like they are being disrespectful by not coming to pay their respects to my father.

“Well, I guess we can use the foyer room as the room mated wolves can congregate and socialize. We really need to keep unmated wolves in the ballroom.” I explain thinking out loud more to myself than to Ani.

“Of course! What a good idea Ari!”

“So tell me more!” I try to snap out of my daze to try to get more excited and not be the buzzkill of the night.

“OH GOSH! Okay so...the juiciest news I have heard today was that Alpha Lucian is coming with his son!”

“Yeah...I remember you saying something about that...” I shout. “Alpha Lucian and my dad dislike each other, to put it mildly! What in the world made Alpha Lucian agree to come? He’s already mated anyways!”

“Well….according to my father…” Ani begins.

“You mean according to your father based on your eavesdropping…”

“Same difference! Anyways...he’s coming to have a private audience with your dad to discuss some issues with pack territory since they border us. My guess is Alpha Lucian wants more territory.” Ani speculated.

“That or he wants to accuse dad of infringing on his pack lands again…” I roll my eyes. “So tell me, why is he bringing his son?”

“Uh, because he is 26 and has NEVER gone to ONE Mates Ball or claiming! It sounds like his dad wants him to hurry up and find his mate so Alpha Lucian can retire. It’s been the talk of the town. Oh and he’s bringing his Beta and his son is bringing at least one friend!”

“Well...the more the merrier I guess…this is sure winding up to be more of a shit show than a ball” I laugh, deciding to pop the top of the champagne bottle on that note. I was going to need a few drinks if I was going to make it through the night.

“Hey, remember what your dad said about the booze Ari…”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know, ‘Don’t drink too much’” I impersonate him, rolling my eyes as I pour us each a glass and begin sipping mine.

She giggled, “Well...do you blame him?”

I laugh, “No! But that time was hardly our fault! You remember!” I defend.

“Oh! You don’t have to tell me!” We clink our glasses together and both sip the bubbling liquid.

“So, what else have you heard?” I implore.

“Well...in total, all five unmated alpha’s and their unmated betas are coming. ALL the alphas will be attending at some point during the week to show their respects. The guest list keeps climbing and the media is having a field day with it all, especially since no one has seen you in at least 2 weeks. Questions and rumors are everywhere!”

“Oh geez....” I roll my eyes finishing my first glass of champagne.

“So...wanna place bets on who you think your mate is going to be?” Ani teases me. I’m actually tempted, but I don’t pay attention to the news, and I don’t read gossip magazines. I don’t have the time and it isn’t like seeing photos of all the eligible mates is going to make my wolf know which one is our mate. Everyone knows you have to be physically around them for your wolf to recognize their scent.

“Tempting Ani, but I think I’ll pass on the bets. I don’t care who my mate is, as long as he loves me. I'll place a bet on whether I think Fen finds his mate this season or not though!” I smirked with a chuckle.

“Oh you know they can’t resist the mate bond and mate pull! They will love you no matter what! The moon goddess is never wrong! And I will TOTALLY take you up on that bet! I have one hundred on him finding his mate and getting a dose of his own medicine!”

"I'll see that bet and raise you fifty that he STILL DOES find his mate!" I laugh loudly with her as I finish another glass. I refilled my glass quickly.

"GAME ON GIRL!" And with that, we clinked our glasses toasting to the bet to solidify it.

“So….who do you think is the hottest? I’m sure you’ve scoured the internet and all the gossip columns to see the latest photos of all the unmated male wolves.” I chuckle.

She downs her champagne at the remark and takes in a deep breath, “GIRL - I don’t know! They’re all hot! My wolf practically drools over them all!” She laughs.

"I really hope the paparazzi isn't bad by the salon this time." I say more to myself than to Ani.

"You know they are! You're the future Alpha Queen of Wolf Nation Ari! What do you expect? They go nutzo over any ranked wolves that leave pack grounds and go into public. They want a glimpse, a morsel, of the life you live in comparison to theirs."

"Ugh! It's not all its cracked up to be! The grass is always greener on the other side! I wish everyone would just leave me ALOOOONE!" I was starting to feel the effects of those glasses of champagne. I was feeling quite pleasant and cheerful now! I guess it's good that I'm in a good mood before facing the camera beasts.

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