“Forest told me about you,” I continue, my voice dripping with amusement and sarcasm. “And Beta Martin did, too. You must be quite the intriguing woman.”
Despite sounding friendly, it’s obvious I don’t find her intriguing at all. She had an affair with Jordan, and I am sure she is fooling around in the pack. Some of the warriors grin slightly, just making my suspicion grow.
Very sure.
I usually couldn’t care less about who goes to bed with whom. I am not the sex police, but she not only played a part in destroying Forest, she literally played a crucial part in getting rid of his mate.
I put an arm around her shoulder, taking advantage of how much taller I am than she. I am still an alpha’s daughter after all; a certain power in my aura is part of my nature. I steer her towards the alpha table, making sure I look superior all the way. “You need to show me around a little later, Lissa. I’d love to get to know Forest’s friends.”
I could swear Martin’s lips tug slightly in amusement.
Lissa tries to recover, her lips tugging, but she barely manages to squeeze out a smile. “I was actually here to discuss the next gala with Forest.”
“Ah, the one next Friday,” I say, nodding slightly. I turn to look at Forest. “Have there been any changes, dear?”
“No,” he smiles warmly at me. “Just as we talked about. I can’t wait to show you off there.”
Lissa’s shocked expression nearly makes me laugh. She forces a smile to her lips. “It will be all new to you,” she says softly. “I am used to these events. I think it might be good to take over for you.”
What a bold statement,little snake. It’s a power move, and everyone in the room gets it. They look curious. Lissa has always been presented as a very competent aide to Forest, while in reality, she probably wasn’t all that. She only kissed up to Jordan and alphas like him because she knew how to stroke their egos, but that’s not the type of allies Forest wants or needs.
A less experienced luna would have maybe felt bad or cornered, but I couldn’t care less. “I have it covered,” I tell her. I turn to Forest again, deciding it would be good for him to have the last word. Especially in the eyes of his pack. I ensure to address him with warm eyes and a gentle smile, so that it’s obvious I respect him. “What do you think, Forest?”
“An alpha and luna need to appear united,” he tells me seriously. Good answer, and to me, it’s obvious that’s something he truly believes in. He sounds confident and composed. “Evenifyou weren’t prepared, I would without hesitation take you to the event.”
I am not sure he realized what kind of a blow to Lissa this probably was, and what a strong statement to me and to his own rank it was, but the others do. Martin looks happy, while some of the warriors look surprised.
Good.
“But these are important negotiations,” his asshole father chimes in. “We can’t possibly risk them.”
“Oh, don’t worry, Harry,” I address him immediately. This is the type of asshole alpha I know how to handle. “I wouldn’t dare to embarrass my new pack. I’ve prepared for the event already. I have seen the attending guests and the list of most important topics to discuss.” I finally move away from Lissa and towards Forest, who makes a show of putting an arm around my waist and smiling at me.
His father snorts. “But that’s impossible in such a short time.”
“Alpha Tristan will be there,” I muse. “And Alpha Francis.” I continue, mentioning all the alphas attending and their packs. Finally, I make really good use of the names and packs I’ve studied over the last years.
Forest’s father just looks shocked while Forest looks at me lovingly. “I forgot to tell you, Dad,” he says with a smile. “But Rose comes from a pretty strong lineage of wolves. Her father was of alpha blood.”
“Oh,” Martin’s eyes widen. To my utmost surprise and joy, he comes to our defense for the second time today. “That makes so much sense. She was probably groomed to become a luna or beta female, at least,” he blushes. “I am sorry for being disrespectful, Luna. It’s just… your aura is strong.”
“You weren’t disrespectful, Beta Martin,” I say, making sure to show that I am loyal to him and respect his rank. “In fact, please don’t hesitate to voice your opinion, ever. I know you are Forest’s right hand and his second-in-command. Your opinion is literally the second most important.”
“Is it?” Forest asks, his hand brushing over my cheek. “Maybe it’s the third most important opinion.”
Goddess. Why was he ever worried? He is a natural!
He turns to smile at Martin. “No offense, Martin; obviously I value your opinion.”
“I am very happy to come third,” Martin says with a smile.
It’s that moment I spot a red-haired man coming closer. I have seen his picture in the folder. It’s Griffin, and either he honestly just came at the perfect time coincidentally, or he is much more cunning than I hoped he would be.
“Griffin,” Martin says, sounding a bit surprised. “A rare sight.”
“I bumped into him this morning,” Forest tells me. “He is an old friend.”
“Oh,” I immediately reach out my hand towards him. “You are one of the elite warriors. I remember your name.”
