Chapter 5

Olivia's POV

Anger and disappointment toward Marsh devoured me.

When I finally found him, he was in the middle of trying on a new suit under the service of an Omega. He looked dashing, yet I wasn't in the mood to admire his charm.

A hint of unease flashed across his face as soon as he saw me, but he quickly regained his composure.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I'm here to ask what you're prepping for," I cut to the chase as I had run out of patience.

He avoided my gaze, snapping, "None of your business."

"Is that so?" I sneered, "The pack tailor met up with Emily today. I heard he was making her an evening gown. What's that about?"

"Watch your tone! I am your Alpha!" he snapped.

Then he waved his hand. The Omega got the hint and left with the suit.

Instead of answering my question, he impatiently pushed me away, trying to leave.

"Are you getting ready for Alpha Zander's dinner party?" I kept pressing.

Marsh took a deep breath, finally admitting, "Yeah. Alpha Zander's throwing a dinner party. He invited all packs in Los Angeles."

Shocked, I asked, "Why the hell are you bringing Emily along instead of me?"

"She used to be a member of the Dawn Pack," he defended. "I don't see anything wrong with that."

I shot him a glare. "Why don't you just reject me? Any Luna won't take such a humiliation."

He seemed frustrated and confused at my words. "Why would I reject you? I'm an Alpha, it's perfectly normal for me to have a lover. But you'll still be my Luna, I assure you that. Stop making a fuss."

"You're betraying our mating bond. Can't you feel it weakening?" I retorted.

My wolf hardly responded to me recently.

I guessed Marsh was having the same problem, for his arm movements seemed stiff when he was changing just now.

It meant that his shoulder wound hadn't healed yet, which was strange. As a strong Alpha, he should've recovered long ago.

"Just reject me," I suggested again. "Then you're free to fuck whoever you want."

"I'm not rejecting you," he said firmly. "Never."

"Why?" I wondered.

He just shrugged, acting all indifferent. "Cuz my wolf needs you. Just calm down, okay?"

With that, he shoved past me and left the room.

Realizing he wouldn't take me to the party, I had to turn to Hannah.

"Hannah, I need you to get me into Alpha Zander's dinner party," I said earnestly after she picked up the phone.

She blurted her reply, "How about we attend it together? I happen to need someone to go there with me."

"Don't you want a guy as your date?" I asked.

"You're my priority!" she replied, totally making my day.

********

Three days later, the dinner party was set to take place.

After Marsh and Emily headed out, I rushed to the pack border where Hannah was waiting for me in her car.

Together, we went to the salon she frequented.

She had her stylist do my makeup and helped me change into a white silk evening gown.

Then she changed into a red one with the same design as mine.

The hems of our dresses were in the shape of rose pleats, adorned with sparkling rhinestones like dew on petals.

The two of us looked just like gorgeous roses in full bloom.

All prepped, we came to the party venue, signing in as representatives of the Amber Pack.

Once we walked into the hall, all eyes were on us.

I spotted Marsh and Emily, and obviously, they saw me too.

Marsh looked slack-jawed, while Emily's eyes were ablaze with anger and jealousy.

He wanted to come over, yet gasps of astonishment caught his attention.

Following everyone's gaze, I saw a hunk entering in a tailored suit. His presence stood out in the room as soon as he showed up.

"Gosh! Alpha Zander is so fine. I think I'm falling in love with him," Hannah whispered in my ear.

I nodded in agreement as I sized Alpha Zander up.

He was taller than Marsh, with a straight nose and a sharp jawline, oozing sexuality from every pore.

Although he wasn't bulky, I could totally sense the power under that suit.

And weirdly enough, he looked kinda familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Alpha Zander, welcome." Marsh stepped forward to shake hands with him.

However, Alpha Zander just cast a glance at him and took a sip of wine before asking, "Alpha Marsh, where's your Luna?"

Marsh retracted his hand with an awkward laugh. "She's caught up in something and can't make it here." Then he introduced nervously, "This is my date, Emily."

"Alpha Zander, a-a pleasure to meet you," Emily stammered as she gazed at Alpha Zander, her cheeks heating up.

I sneered inwardly, 'Marsh, can't you see your beloved girl is swooning over another guy now?'

Zander frowned and said to his man beside him, "I remember I requested the invited Alpha to come with his Luna, right?"

"Yes, Alpha Zander. I have it written on the invitations."

"So, Alpha Marsh, you brought your mistress to meet me, even though you know her status is lower than mine? Are you insulting me?" Zander's voice dropped, indicating his displeasure.

I tightened my grip on Hannah's hand, while she gave a snort.

"Alpha Zander, I—"

"Save it, Alpha Marsh. I don't wanna waste my time on someone who disrespects me." Zander then bypassed Marsh and walked away.

"Thanks for being here, ladies and gentlemen. I'm throwing this party cuz I have an announcement to make. My company will soon launch a development project around LA, and I believe any pack involved will earn a small fortune."

Zander smiled at the representatives of the other packs.

Marsh and Emily stood frozen, embarrassment written all over their faces.

Suddenly, Marsh's eyes darted to me.