CHAPTER SEVEN

Eleanor's pov

The celebration was supposed to be my day — a part to honour me as the pack's new Alpha but of course… nothing ever went as planned.

*****

I couldn't stop smiling.

Today was my day — My Alpha ceremony.

Gold and red banners fluttered in the breeze and decorations were being set up outside.

I could hear the laughter and chatting of the pack members as they prepared for the ceremony.

My heart was racing in my chest. I was so excited. This was a big deal and not just for me but for the whole pack. I had worked hard for this moment and it was finally here.

My eyes fell on the dress father had chosen for me for the ceremony — a long red, elegant dress befitting an Alpha. I loved it.

Despite the excitement, there was one thought I couldn't shake off.

Sebastian.

Would he come?

The memory of his “confession” a few days ago still lingered in my mind. I could never forget the look in his green eyes like he couldn't decide whether to hate me or  onto what was left of us, whatever it was anyway.

“Nah.” I shook my head. “What should I care if he showed up or not? Today's about me, not that asshole.”

I heard a quiet call from behind the door. “You ready, Alpha? The pack is waiting for you.”

“I'm coming.”

I slipped into my dress and adorned myself with makeup. When I was ready, I gave myself a quick look at the mirror.

“Perfect.”

I followed the maid out of the room and walked down the hall.

Nothing would ruin this for me. Not today, I thought to myself.

Father stood outside the entrance door to the ballroom. Did he decide to walk me in? How generous of him.

“Father, you didn't have to.” I said with a smile, walking towards him.

“That's alright, pumpkin, but I must see to it that our important guests are greeted first.” He said, peering at his pocket watch.

My smile fell. “Important guests?”

“Why yes,” Father smiled and capped my shoulders. “Sebastian and Lorretta will be arriving shortly. Someone had to receive them, don't you think?”

I froze. “Excuse me?”

“They're family, aren't they?” Father smiled like he had just solved world hunger.

“Family?”

Father continued, oblivious to my raging anger. “Sebastian and Lorretta are family and it's only right that they attend.”

“They might be yours but they're not my family.”

“What's gotten into you? Loretta is your sister and Sebastian is her husband. This is a celebration for you. They should be here.” Father frowned.

I snapped. “Well, I don't want them here.”

“Eleanor, why don't you want them here?”

Goddammit!

If only he knew the truth. If only he knew what both of them had done to me in my past life. If I told him what happened, I would be exposing my secret and I couldn't risk anyone knowing I was reborn.

I gave up and forced a smile. Hopefully, it won't break my face before the ceremony begins. “Fine. They can come but don't expect me to entertain them.”

“Who knew you could be so stubborn, Eleanor?” Father laughed and  I stormed into the ballroom. One more second in there and I would say something we both would regret.

The dinner party began and I was already on edge.

The ballroom was buzzing with guests from packs all over, all of them eager to congratulate me. I tried to focus on them, to enjoy the moment, but my attention kept straying to the pair seated next to my father.

Sebastian and Loretta.

Sebastian, always looking sharp in his black regal suit. Everytime I caught him staring at me, my stomach flipped.

Why the heck does he keep looking at me?

“Ah, Your Majesty, congratulations.” A lady said, holding out her hands to shake mine.

She looks like Luna. Luna Bella, was it?

I beamed her a smile and looked behind her. Sebastian was still staring. Why is he staring at me? Maybe he has finally realized what an idiot he is. Well, I don't care what he realized. No, wait, I did but not as though I was hoping for his attention. If anything, I want him to stop looking at me with those googly eyes.

Then, Loretta.

The second her eyes met mine, she marched towards me.

“Eleanor, she said, grabbing my arm. “A word.”

She dragged me to a corner where no one could see or hear us.

“What do you want?” I yanked my arm free.

“What do I want?” She repeated with a hiss. “I want you to pay for what you've done to me.”

I blinked, confused. “What have I done to you? Have you lost your goddamn mind?!”

“You ruined my life, you bitch!” She snapped. “Everything was perfect until you decided to ruin everything.”

I scoffed. “Ruin everything? Loretta, you're kidding me, right? You married Sebastian, didn't you? You got the life you wanted. How the heck did I ruin it for you? No, tell me. How exactly did I do that?”

Loretta laughed bitterly. “You think I wanted this? To be married to a man who can't stop staring at you? To live in a loveless marriage while everyone whispered behind my back?”

I crossed my arms. “This sounds like your problem and not mine.”

Loretta boiled with rage. You could see her face all red. “You think you're so smart, huh? Just hold on. I'll make you pay.”

I stepped closer. “And how exactly do you plan to do that?”

She took a step back, her eyes round in shock.

“Do you remember what you tried to do, Loretta?” I continued. “You drugged me. You wanted to humiliate me in front of the entire pack, and for what? To make yourself feel better? To steal what wasn't yours?”

Her mouth fell open in shock. “W - what? How did you - -?”

I leaned in, my lips curving into a smirk. “You can try whatever scheme you want, but don't forget that I'm the Alpha, Loretta. I'm not the same girl you almost ruined. Before you test my waters, you better know how to swim.”

“You'll regret this.”

“Maybe, but not tonight.”

Without waiting for her reply, I turned on my heels and walked away.

I returned to the table and Sebastian's gaze caught mine but I didn't stop for a second to acknowledge him.

Tonight was my victory and no one would ruin it.