Chapter 4: One of the Chosen

Alpha Calix went in front to give a brief speech. He said it was the councilors’ idea to give him a homecoming party and although he didn’t like parties that much, he agreed because it was an opportunity for him to meet the district’s people as the new alpha.

“And since everyone important is gathered here tonight, at the end of this evening, I will announce the five ladies I selected who are eligible to be my luna,” he added in his speech which made most ladies gasp in anticipation.

“These five ladies will come to live in my mansion for a month. I will observe each of them for me to know who is the best candidate among them. The parents shouldn’t worry though. I will ensure these ladies will be treated as the princesses that they are, and I will sign an agreement to promise not to sully these ladies’ honor.”

“Who cares if the Alpha sullies my honor? I would gladly offer myself to him if I’d be chosen!”

I heard giggles behind me and I wasn’t surprised how these girls could throw themselves to the Alpha without hesitation. He was the ruler of the whole district after all. He could keep mistresses if he wanted since there were no laws stating the Alpha should only have one woman. Being a powerful man’s woman was a key to many privileges, but if it meant being a toy that could be disposed anytime, I’d rather step back and give the spot to the willing.

After Alpha Calix delivered his welcome speech, the party had officially started. Food and more drinks were served. Musicians played music to liven up the place while some enjoyed the dance floor with their partners.

I stood there with ladies my age who seemed to be more interested in art than men. My disposition was still not good but if Dad would see me at the corner like a wallflower standing alone without socializing with the people around, I’d definitely receive a handful of scolding.

“Benedict Davis, a famous artist from Rampshire will hold an art exhibit next month. I’m a big fan of his, it got me so excited,” Anna said giddily.

“Really? I’ve also seen some of his works…”

As I listened to the group, my eyes wandered around. Dad was in a group of important people with the Alpha at the center. I’d like to have some fresh air outside. He wouldn’t notice my disappearance for a few minutes, wouldn’t he?

“I’ll go to the bathroom,” I said before withdrawing from the group.

I was about to discreetly leave the main hall when a chest blocked my view. Thankfully I managed to stop before I’d bump into the man who suddenly blocked my way.

“Nice to meet you again, Miss Loraine.”

I looked up and met Michael Gibbs’ gaze. He was towering over me with a boyish smile on his face. He wore a dark blue suit and had his blonde hair brushed back.

“Didn’t we agree to be casual to each other?” For the first time that night, I managed to smile without forcing myself. The man’s light demeanor was really comforting.

“Well, I thought you had forgotten me,” he joked.

“How could I? You are my sister’s tutor.”

He shrugged and lent me his hand, “Would you mind if I ask you to dance? This night is quite boring just like I expected. But you caught my interest. Let’s entertain ourselves, shall we?”

I shook my head gently, smiling. “I’m not a good dancer, Michael. You should ask someone else.”

“You’re not a good liar, Loraine. Your father is a beta, I’m sure you were trained to be a social flower who attended a dance class.”

He guessed it right. Growing up, Dad made sure I excelled in all fields a fine lady was expected to be good at.

“One dance, then.”

Dad didn’t mind me dancing with fine men like Michael at social events like this but he didn’t want me getting close to any man without his permission. It was also one of the reasons why I didn’t have the chance to build deep connections with the elite guys I knew.

“You’re now the head of the district’s research team, I heard. You must really be a good scientist,” I said as Michael and I danced. We caught some people’s attention but it didn’t bother me. People, especially single ladies, tended to be curious about a fine bachelor like Michael.

“You already have a big responsibility on your shoulders, why do you still work as my sister’s tutor?”

“Beta Henry personally asked me to teach your sister. I couldn’t refuse. Besides, I don’t teach Roselle every day and each session only lasts for an hour or two. It doesn’t affect my job, don’t worry.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

In the middle of the dance, I caught a glimpse of where the Alpha was. It surprised me that he was looking in my direction.

It felt like he was looking at me.

Or I could be wrong.

It worried me though. What if he’d mention to my father that he saw me in the market the other day? Worst, what if he’d mention the state I was in? I literally couldn’t stop my tears that day. If he recognized me earlier, for sure he wondered why a beta’s daughter was walking in the downtown’s market alone and with tears all over her face.

After my dance with Michael, I excused myself and left the crowd. I went out to breathe some air and to think of an alibi if ever the Alpha mentioned seeing me the other day to my father.

I couldn’t let Dad know about Jacob. Especially not now when we had separated ways. Dad would ruin him if he’d know. I couldn’t allow that to happen.

“Did you find the party so boring that you chose to stay here?” After a few minutes of standing in the garden looking out of nowhere, someone from behind suddenly spoke which startled me.

When I turned around, my lips fell apart.

“A-Alpha!” I immediately bowed my head and carelessly stepped back, making one of my heels roll over a stone. I lost my balance and if not for the strong arm that held my waist, I would have fallen to the roses with sharp thorns.

“Look how careless you are,” he said silently with his face only an inch from mine while he held me.

“I-I’m sorry, Alpha…” I said and quickly moved away from him. This time I made sure I wouldn’t land in roses full of thorns if ever I tripped while backing away.

He put his hands on his pockets and remained standing in front of me. I thought he was talking with my father and other elders? Why was he suddenly with me here alone in the garden?

“Are you not enjoying my party?” he asked.

“I enjoy it, Alpha. I just went out for a moment to breathe fresh air,” I reasoned out. “Please forgive me for my clumsiness.”

“You are Loraine Sullivan, Beta Henry’s daughter, am I right?”

“Yes,” I answered without wondering why he knew me. He must have heard things about me from Dad and read my profile submitted in his office among the profiles of other ladies who wanted to be his wife.

“We also bumped into each other the other day, do you remember?”

I became nervous when he mentioned it. But since we were on the topic, I might as well ask him to not mention it to anyone else. It would be reckless to ask the Alpha a favor, but I had to try for the sake of Jacob.

“I do. I was in a hurry that day because I wasn’t feeling well. I apologize for not recognizing you as I haven’t seen you before,” I spoke in a gentle manner even when my heart was hammering my chest.

His brow shot up in a provocative manner, “You seemed to be in deep trouble that day. Did someone bully you?”

“I…” My mouth remained half opened, couldn’t find the right words to say.

Alpha Calix advanced a step, making me step back once. When he saw my reaction, he stopped. His dark gaze made me shiver. He seemed to be displeased with me backing away.

“You’re like a scared kitten, do you know that, Miss Loraine?” His tone was gentle, yet I sensed hostility in the way he looked at me. “Tell me, do I look like a monster who will gobble you up?”

I looked down. “N-no, Alpha…”

He only stared at me with critical eyes. When he didn’t say anything, I answered his first question so I could go back inside.

“I was in the market that day to talk to a friend… something happened but I wasn’t harmed in any way. If it won’t cost you so much, please don’t mention it to my father. I don’t want him to worry about it.”

“For someone who’s scared of me, you are a little brazen to ask me a favor,” he smiled but I wasn’t sure if that was a yes or no.

“Sure, I’ll keep that small secret of yours,” he said which only gave me a momentary relief because after saying his next words, I froze.

“In return, you need to be a very good girl while you live in my mansion.”

Alpha Calix smirked darkly at my shocked face. “Yes, Loraine. You’re one of the selected ladies eligible to be my wife.”