The pack lines up in front. Most of them are kind, many giving good wishes, but the other half... well fuck the other half. In the short time I've spent with the pack, I can tell that most hate me. Some bothered to make comments on my reluctance to accept their alpha. In their eyes it's a view of disrespect. And why would a human be able to make sure drastic remarks? Ares encourages me to roll my eyes and move on, but it still itches the wrong itch. First and foremost why are they allowed to say such things to me? And why do they feel the need to?

I understand this relationship isn't perfect, but fuck me you could at least celebrate the minor peace we're having right now. Jessica walks up to me. Her curtsey is a mock and something crawls under my skin. The wolf within me feel threatened. Something's wrong with this interaction that I'm picking up on. I tilt my head to Ares who keeps a tight smile across his face. His teeth are a glistening white, the canines descended. He's dripping the rich tonight. Tux tailored to perfection, the watch, and the style of his hair. If he'd walked into my old job I'd have begged for him to be in my section. I can't handle it. He's too... polished. Nothing like the rugged man that fucked me against a tree, or fell to his knees begging for my forgiveness. This is a show, and we're the fucking ponies.

"Hey, Jess. How's it going?" Rip off her head, "You really do look great tonight."

My skin is bubbling with anxiety. I feel the warm hand of Ares lay over mine. The sparks calm me, his notice on my discomfort heartwarming. Jessica gives a tight, very fake, smile, "Thanks Luna! Can't tell you how much it means coming from you."

Light her tongue on fire, "And how are you beta?" I look over to Josh. He's looking between me and Jess trying to figure out what's happening. Ares seems to be doing the same thing. I notice a subtle tug on the back of Jess's arm. He knows something. Something I would love to be included on. Any longer of this and this child is going to massacre. Bad feeling. Kill. Kill. Kill.

"I'm doing great. Just wanted to wish you both the best. I know it's a rocky road going from the human realm to wolf. Proud of your adjustment. Wolf will look good on you." He nods to the fresh mark on Ares. Ares doesn't bother to hide it. Actually, he pulled down his collar to make sure it was noticeable sitting in front of the crowd.

"Thanks." The dismissal was obvious. I'm not into conversation with anyone right now. Especially the raging bitch that's become of my best friend. My ice cream buddy, my number one. Now we're here and I don't know why. I can't find a moment that I would've upset her. It was just a few weeks ago we were laughing in a tree together while the wolves protected us. She pretended to be a servant to help save me from the dark claws of James. But here we are. And she won't talk to me about it.

They leave without another word. Their interaction felt more formality than genuine. That's fine. At this point being a wolf is all about the show, the pretty. It's never been about strength and honor. I can't believe that anyone would choose this. This dog show. Fuck me. Fuck this, "I'm ready to go." I lean over to whisper under my breath. Ares tightens his hold on my leg giving me a softer, more meaningful smile.

"I'll make a few announcements after our dance, introduce you to an important guest, and then we can leave. What are you craving for dinner my love?"

"Definitely a large power of clam chowder."

"I am disgusted, but if that's what you want!" He snorts in laughter. We finish out our greetings with the people, then run through the choreographed dance. I'm not a fan of the number, but Ares made it clear that it's tradition always fucking tradition. So here I am, spinning, jumping, and bending through the song. He keeps a tender hold on me, but at this point I'm hungry and irritated. As soon as it's over I shift myself to his side and wait for everyone to gather together.

"First and foremost I want to thank every wolf here tonight, It's been an honor to speak with each of you and share this time." Ares holds up a glass of whiskey, the pack cheers violently, "My mate and I are thankful for all the help we have received in the time we have been together. Winning more land for our pack has never been a bad thing." The wolves roar. Their glasses go into the air, some howling. Ares has his canines fully out, his wolf forward. He's getting high off this energy.

He announces a few minor things. Updates on Tyson, a new delta being ranked, and congratulations to a couple for having their first pup. It's nice to see him keeping up with everything, but it's still odd to watch. I can't believe the excitement of the pack when he mentioned the hundreds of dead wolves for the sacrifice of their own pack. It's a little unnerving. I stand next to him with a smile and try to maintain a good posture. It's not much longer now. Ares wraps his hand around my upper arm guiding me away from the center towards a man standing on the edge of the room. His eyes are a piercing blue, tattoos covering him much like Ares. He holds the essence of power as well, but something seems dark about him. Not in a way that stirs the need to kill, but in a more fear filled focused. I shouldn't piss this one off, "Mate, this is Darius Night. He's Alpha King of the Canada and some over seas divisions. He runs Night Contracting currently. Mr. Night, this is Veronica Smite. My mate."

"Lovely to meet you, I've heard such great things. I've wanted to speak with you both about coming up and helping me re-organize my life basically. Our numbers are growing by the day and I have to get something under control. With the business and the wolves I've become so divided that nothings getting done." He laughs lifting his glass of wine to Ares, "I'm in the market for a COO if you know of anyone."

"I can't think of a single person that would be good enough for you. I wish you the best of luck, however."

"Thank you for the kind words. I'll be traveling through some companies over the next year to find the right fit. I've my interested peaked on a certain up coming marketing director. She seems very promising, and something in my spine tells me to speak with her."

"Then what's holding you back?" I finally interject. Darius gives me a smirk.

"If she is something important to me, I need to get things in order before I collect. She's human, and as you would know Ms. Smite, that leads too many problems."

"Collect?"

"It was nice speaking with you. We'll reach out with intention to plan with you." Ares gathers me up getting me ready to walk away. Darius looks me over then gives Ares a side eye.

"She's rather fiery, Ares. You didn't tell me your hands were this full."

"I expect your mate to be nothing less."

Darius nod, giving me a small bow, "I wouldn't hope for anything less. They're the best to fuck, and the best to tame."

In short, I almost killed an alpha tonight, but Ares had me out the door and in the car before my claws broke skin.

~~~