Chapter 3

Annalise POV

After my nap I made a light snack in the kitchenette since I was too tired for brunch at Bacon Candy. The way my stomach was flipping with nerves Im glad we didn’t have brunch, probably wouldn’t have been able to keep it down anyways. Dahlia was going to come up so we could finish getting ready together. Sarah had hung my suit up in the closet while we were out. I was placing my dish in the sink when so heard Dahlia come in. “Are you ready Alpha Major?!” She said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes “you know I hate it when you call me that Dahl.” I snipped. Dahlia smirked “it IS your title Anna. Better get used to it!” She quipped. I sighed in defeat, she was right. Whether I liked it or not, after tonight’s ceremony I would officially be Alpha Major of the 8 moons. Suddenly eating that snack didn’t seem like such a good idea as my stomach did a flip. Before I could get lost in my anxiety I felt Dahlia’s hand come across my backside as I stood over the sink. *SMACK* “Get that cute little tooshie into that suit Anna! We’ve got 45 minutes!” She yelled over her shoulder as she was already making her way into the bathroom to change. I winced and rubbed my butt to ease the sting. “Damnit Dahl!” I snapped. “You love me!” She said whimsically through the bathroom door. I walked over to my wardrobe and began dressing. I put on my black slim fit dress pants, a black bandeau, and a gold fitted blazer over top. I wore my favorite gold stilettos and gold crescent moon earrings. I fixed up my make up a little, adding mascara to my brown Smokey eye and reapply my nude lipstick and gloss. Just as I was finishing up Dahlia came out of the bathroom. She was wearing a stunning emerald green bodycon dress with a sweetheart neck line & black pumps. Her emerald eyes really popped with the dress and red lipstick. Her sleek black bob hung just at her shoulders. “DAMNNNNN DAHL!” I said as I shamelessly checked out my best friend. She gave me a smile “not too bad looking yourself hot stuff!” She shot back at me with a wink. She grabbed her black clutch and I grabbed my black clutch with the gold buckle. This was it. We made our way downstairs. The omegas that volunteered to work the event were busy in the kitchen and greeting the guests at they arrived. Me and Dahlia made our way out back to the event tent. There was a huge white tent sent up in the lush green landscape a few hundred feet from the tree line. There were rows of tables elegantly decorated and a stage that had one long table with 20 chairs. One chair for each Alpha and Luna couple and 4 chairs for Marcus my gamma, Dhalia, my beta, and Me but who was the last chair for? Before I could get lost in thought I heard a burley voice with a thick accent “Princessa! Come give your papa a hug.” I looked to the direction of the voice “PAPA!” I ran (as fast as I could in 6” stilettos) to my father embracing him in a big hug. He gives the best hugs. He kisses my cheeks and pulls away to look me over “you look stunning princessa.” He says with a smile. “Come this way I want to introduce you to some people” he drags me away and I look over my shoulder at Dahlia pleading with my eyes for her not to make me do this alone. She smirks and gives me a wave with her fingers as she disappears to the open bar. That wench, some friend she is. We walk over to a group of older men, some I recognize some I don’t. “Anna you remember Alpha Alphonse of the Eastern Gibbous and his twin brother Alonzo of the Western Gibbous.” My father states pointing at the two men. They are identical twins, mocha colored skin, easily middle aged with thick dark hair and green eyes. Alphonse is actually Dahlia’s father, making Alonzo her uncle. “Of course!” I embrace Alpha Alphonse in a tight hug and he pecks my cheek. “I hope my daughter has been behaving Alpha Anna.” He says to me with a cheeky grin. “Well, I’ve never been a liar and I won’t start now. We’ll just say It’s a good thing she’s my best friend.” I reply with a slight chuckle. I nod my head to Alpha Alonzo and smile. “And this is Alpha Patrick of the Blood Moon pack” my father says motioning to an older gentleman in the group I didn’t recognize. The Blood Moon pack is a western pack we didn’t own but one we were in alliance with. Second largest to the Golden Crescent pack. He was a handsome man, probably a real looker back in his day. Chocolate brown locks with streaks of grey brushed back with a close cut on the sides. Light blue eyes and broad shoulders. Salt and pepper stubble freckled his chin with remnants of a beard. He smiled a toothy grin and bowed his head to me “Alpha Anna, pleased to meet you” I smiled back and bowed my head in return “and you as well Alpha Patrick.” There was suddenly an awkward silence as my father and Alpha Patrick exchanged glances. He was definitely up to something. “So, what brings you here tonight Alpha Patrick? Not that we aren’t happy to have you. Usually this sort of thing is reserved for members of the 8 Moons.” I asked curiously. “Well, I…” he began when I heard a loud burst of giggles from a group of females standing near the entrance, I turned my attention to the door and the most delicious looking specimen of wereman I have ever laid eyes on came strolling into the back of the pack house. He was easily 6’5, had smooth olive skin, and lush chocolate brown locks that framed his chiseled face. Smooth like a baby’s bottom not a blemish in sight. He was wearing all black and damn did he look good in it. His eyes were a piercing blue color that made me think he could see into my soul. *damn, I’d hit that* Amara purred in my head. Snapping me out of my trance as I realized I was damn near drooling over the man and he was walking straight towards …. Me?!. Oh goddess, do I know him? A million thoughts rushed through my head as I wondered who the delectable stranger was. “Ahh, speak of the devil!” Alpha Patrick’s voice snapped me back to reality. I turned my attention to Alpha Patrick with a confused smile on my face. “Alpha Major Anna, this is my Son Alpha Dante of the Blood Moon Pack. Dante, This is Alpha Anna.” He says looking between us. I put my hand out delicately for him to take “please, call me Anna. No need for formalities yet.” I say with a sly smile on my face. To my surprise Dante grabs my hand roughly and shakes it the way a puppy shakes a toy. Nearly taking my arm off. “Pleased to meet you Alpha Major” he states plainly. He was clearly all business. I rubbed my shoulder when nobody was looking to ease the trauma from his abrasive hand shake. The men began conversing about politics which I loathed. I began peaking around the yard for Dahlia and spotted her chatting up Marcus at the bar. Third wheel shmeel, I’m a damsel that needs saving! “Papa, sorry to interrupt Im going to speak with Dhalia about some important matters.” I lie. He nods and I excuse myself from the rest of the group of old geezers and Hotty McGee and make my way over to the bar. “Hey bestie! Marcus!” I nod to Marcus and grab Dahlia’s shoulder. “Thanks for leaving me to fend off the wolves back there Dahl. You’re a real pal.” I say As I get the bar tenders attention. Dahlia laughs “Anna, you are THE wolf. They probably needed saving from you.” She murmured. Marcus chuckled and I gasped “Marcus did you just…. Laugh? Hell must be freezing over, somebody page hades.” I tease. “Hey! I’ll have you know I laugh a lot, just not when there is business to tend to. And there is always business.” He states plainly. “Martini, dry, 3 olives please” I state to the bartender. “Starting off strong Anna?” Dahl says. “We’ll just call it pre-gaming for Pantera. Are you coming with Marcus?” I ask looking at Marcus as the bartender slides me my drink on a napkin. “What? Leave you two alone to get into goddess knows what kind of trouble. You bet your sweet ass I’m coming” he smirks. “I’ll have you know we are very very responsible” I say downing my martini in one gulp and motioning for another to the bartender. Marcus laughs “yes and I’m the Lycan prince, now if we’re done telling stories I think it’s time to take our seats.” He says motioning to the stage. We all make our way up to the stage and take our seats. All of the Alpha’s and Lunas are seated from left to right with my parents closest to me. Dahlia and Marcus take the end seats but there is still one empty seat next to me. I turn to my father and before I can ask about the empty seat I feel a breeze sweep my right side and my head snaps to the seat next to me only to find Mr. Hottness himself seated beside me. “Alpha Dante, I didn’t expect this seat to be yours.” I stated confused. He gave me a plain look “neither did I. Do you know what this might be about Alpha Major? My father was very insistent I come tonight and now I feel he may be up to something” he says. I smirk “no but now that you mention it, Papa and Alpha Patrick were being weird earlier.” Before we could continue our conversation my father stands up with the mic. “Everyone please be seated so that we may begin. Thank you all for coming. It has been 18 years in the waiting but the moment my princessa was born I knew she would become a great leader.” He started. I blushed, I hated when he called me princessa to the whole pack. I didn’t mind it as a pet name. It was endearing but how can they look at me as their Alpha when he is up here calling me Princessa. I smile despite my embarrassment. “Tonight, myself and the other Alphas of the 8 moons will officially be indoctrinating Alpha Annalise Isabella Remington as the official Alpha Major of the 8 Moons. She has been training her whole life for this moment and I have never been more proud.” He concludes as everyone applauds the sentimental speech. The rest of the dinner went by well. We did our indoctrination blood ceremony where each of the alphas from the 8 Moons stood with me to take an oath and pledge to me. We cut our palms and mixed our blood, snapping the pack links into place one by one. My father was the last and his was especially emotional. He was giving up his total as alpha Major and passing it down officially to me. After that Dahlia and Marcus were introduced at my Beta Major and Gamma. Dinner was served shortly after and I got a chance to catch up with my mother during dinner since we hadn’t spoken earlier. She looked radiant sitting with Papa, they were so in love. I could pass for her twin if it weren’t for the eyes. While my eyes were Amber colored, moms eyes were a brilliant shade of grey. At about 10:30 I started saying my goodbyes to make my escape. “Well it was lovely seeing everyone again and pleasure making your acquaintance Alpha Patrick, Alpha Dante” I nodded to them. “We’re headed out for some real festivities!” I said looking at papa. “How long are you staying?” I ask him. “Your mother and I are staying for a few more days. The beta’s son Caylen and your brother are holding down the fort. I want to make sure you get settled into your new role.” He said. I smile “great! Let’s do brunch tomorrow.” I go to kiss his cheek and make my exit, “Hold on Anna, can I speak to you before you leave. Somewhere private?” He asks. “Um sure papa, we can talk in my office. I’ll meet you up there in a few? Let me just tel Dahlia and Marcus.” I say a bit confused. Not sure what he wants to speak to me about but hopefully nothing serious. I want to get to Pantera before midnight. I quickly fill in Dhalia and Marcus and make my way up to my office on the second floor. As I approach I can hear more than just my fathers voice. I open the cracked door and make my presence known. “Hello gentlemen, Mother.” I nod my head to acknowledge Alpha Patrick, Alpha Dante, Papa, and mother. I take a seat at my desk and look at my father expectantly. “Princessa, I don’t want to take up too much of your time, I know you have plans. So I’ll cut right to the chase. Alpha Patrick and I have been discussing an alliance of sorts.” He starts. I give my mom a questioning look and she looks just as confused as I am. I peer at Alpha Patrick and he seems a bit nervous. “Go on.” I say plainly. Not wanting to get ahead of myself. “Well…” Alpha Patrick starts “We we’re proposing that maybe you and Dante would…” a guttural growl came from the other side of the room and I snapped my head to see Dante, his eyes flashing from blue to black. “Dante!” Alpha Patrick snaps. “No! I won’t agree to this! I have a mate already!” He snaps. “HAD A MATE.” Alpha Patrick says matter of fact. In a flash Dante is across the room on top of his father holding him by the throat. “ENOUGH!” I push my alpha aura over the entire room and everyone falls silent. My eyes flashing red as Amara pushes herself to the surface. “I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in my office. Calm down or LEAVE.” I say with finality. “With pleasure” Dante says through gritted teeth never taking his eyes off his fathers. He lets go of Patrick and storms from the room. Patrick stands up straight and begins straightening his collar “my apologies Alpha major, Alpha Rahul” he says without meeting our gaze. “That was rather embarrassing. Give me some time to speak with him. I thought enough time had passed and this wouldn’t be an issue but apparently I’ve made a misjudgment. Dante’s mate was killed in a rogue attack a few years ago so I thought it would be good for him to have a second chance” Alpha Patrick looked torn, an emotion flitted across his face for a moment before he collected himself. “Anyways, I’ll just excuse myself. Alpha Rahul, Luna, Alpha Major” he nods to each of us. As soon as the door closes behind him I snap my attention to my father “PAPA!” I practically yell. “Now princessa, before you get upset please listen to what I have to say. “Did you know about this?!” I say raising an eyebrow to my mother. “Of course not darling, I would like answers just as much as you.” She says while peering in my fathers direction inquisitively. My father pulls at his collar nervously. The man was one of the most fierce alphas but when it came to his mate and Luna he was a cowering shrimp. Amara cackled in my head *what a wuss* she sneered. I smirked before shaking my head “explain papa.” I look at him expectantly. “Princessa, I know you are more than capable of taking on this role alone but I don’t think you should have to. Alpha Dante is a great leader and having an alliance with the blood moon pack would only make us stronger. I’m not asking you to say yes or no, I’m just asking you to think about it.” He says softly. I mean being mated to Mr. Sex On Legs wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world but who do they think they are practically betrothing us behind our backs! The nerve. Then a thought occurred to me. “And what about my mate papa?” My mother looked at him intently “yes Rahul, what of her mate?” She narrowed her eyes at him. My mother and father are true fated mates, my whole life I have been told about finding my fated mate and how magical it would be now he is trying to pawn me off to some rando for an alliance. Yeah, no. “Well Princessa, baby, If you mate and mark before you find your fated mate…” he was cut off mid sentence “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” My mother roared. “Would you have liked it if I took a chosen mate before I met you?” She sneered. My fathers eyes flashed black at the thought. “All I’m saying is she has options and Dante isn’t a bad one.” My father continued through gritted teeth. “You guys! Enough. Im going to get ready to celebrate my birthday. I don’t want to discuss this anymore. I had sarah set up the guest quarters on the 3rd floor. You know where it is.” I said as I gathered myself and stood up. I walked over and placed a kiss on papa’s cheek and then embraced my mom and kissed her goodnight as well. It was silent as I headed out of the office and up to the 4th floor. I quickly got changed. I took off my gold blazer but kept the black bandeau, and switched out my pants for a black bodycon mini skirt. Kept the gold stilettos, and took my hair out of my bun. Letting my long dark wavy locks fall over my back and shoulders. I gave my hair a tussle and did a quick check in the mirror before grabbing my clutch to meet Dahlia downstairs. Pantera here I come!