SHADOW
“I don’t like this.” My fifth time changing gowns from the hanger rack. They were all nice, but I wanted to excuse myself from going to a formal dinner. I received an invitation from Sebastien yesterday. I didn’t know what was up to, maybe to poison me after what I did to him.
“Try this black. It’s gorgeous. The sequin doesn’t make you itch.”
Kindra elbowed Zarah. “Stop trying. Those gowns fit her perfectly. She’s just making excuses.”
“Get used to always attending parties, dinners, and boring meetings. You’re a Luna now. Now, put that black on so they can adjust what’s needed. I’m hungry, Shadow. And your mate probably needs cuddling.”
“He doesn’t need cuddling,” I said crisply. “He has a business meeting with Kent and other investors.”
“And what’s your excuse?”
I picked up the dress and slumped my butt on the chair. “I’m made from a mistake. My sperm donor couldn’t keep his junk in his pants and raped my mother in her sleep. He’s a dick. That’s why I don’t wanna attend.”
“He also wants you just to stay in the castle, find a suitable mate for you, and breed some pups to strengthen his kingdom,” Zarah grunted.
“Exactly.”
“Yeah, he’s a dick,” Kindra agreed. “But you wanna unite our world, and this is the chance. Maybe if he sees your intention, he understands why it is important to you, and maybe after meeting Alpha Califf, he realizes our Alpha is a good man. Maybe he approves of your relationship.”
“I don’t need his approval. Califf is my mate. We mated-end of the story. And besides, he wasn’t in the picture for twenty-one years, Kindra. Where was he when my parents died? Conquering the world? Well, screw him!” I blew a breath.
“Breathe, Shadow. Before you rip that gown to shed.”
I looked down at the gown. I’d been gripping it tight without even noticing it. I took a deep breath like Zarah told me.
“Maybe I should focus on my pack and be their regular Luna. I was too ahead of myself. I just joined the pack and didn’t know anything about running one. Maybe I should go to a Werewolf Academy or something. What was I thinking?”
“There’s a threat coming our way, Shadow. All you want is what’s best for our pack. You know you can’t protect everyone. That’s why you need allies. You’re doing the right thing. And regarding that selfish prick, just attend the party and see where it goes,” Kindra said.
“I will be there with you and Califf. Now go and try that dress. We’ve been here for hours. You’re wasting my time. I have coven duty and clients, you know.” Zarah shooed me away.
I dragged my breath, forcing myself to get to my feet. I went back to the fitting room and put the dress on. It was really lovely. Zarah had good taste in fashion. I took it off and put my clothes on.
I suddenly smelled Califf, making me stop. When I turned around, he was there, standing near the window with his hands in his pockets. His suits looked so perfect on him. He was the epitome of a powerful and rich Alpha.
I went to him. “Hey. What are you doing here?”
He cupped my face and kissed me on the lips as his response. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too. How’s your meeting?”
“I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh. I like surprises.” I giggled, making him chuckle.
Then Kent walked inside the shop.
“Oh, my! Kent!” I ran in his direction and pulled him into a tight hug. “I missed you so much. Oh, my Goddess. What are you doing here?”
“I missed you too, honey. You look good.” He looked at me from head to toe. His eyes twinkled.
“Thanks. You have highlights.” He picked up strands of my white hair and inspected it.
“Long story, but it’s kind of permanent.”
“Does it have to do with your gift?”
“Kind of, but I’m fine. Come here.” I took her to Kindra and Zarah. “You met her already.”
“Oh, my God. You haven’t aged.” His eyes widened as he recognized Zarah.
“Good to see you again, Kent. You look well.” Zarah held his arms as she smiled at Kent.
“I’m old, and you’re the same as the last time I saw you ten years ago.”
“It’s been a decade already, huh?”
“Yeah. More than.”
“And Kent, this is my friend, Kindra. She’s Beta’s mate.”
“How are you, Kent?”
Kent shook her hand. “I’m glad my daughter has found good people. Just look after her, will you? Sometimes, she can be a little reckless when she’s mad at something.”
“We look after each other.”
“Can we go and have dinner? I have a reservation in the restaurant a block from here.”
“Thank goddesses.” Zarah went ahead with Kindra.
“So, how have you been? I’m sorry I couldn’t call you every day.”
“It’s all good, honey. All good.”
We arrived at the restaurant. I sat next to Kent and Califf. I ordered a medium rare tomahawk steak, potatoes, and salad for myself. Zarah went for a vegan menu and Salmon, while the rest chose steaks like mine.
“Califf said you fell into a coma.”
My eyes narrowed at Califf. “You don’t have to tell him that.”
“What happened, Shadow?”
“It has something to do with my gift and this.” I showed him the white hair again. “I should stop using my gift, or bad things happen.”
“Then stop.”
“It’s just like I’m losing my identity. I feel like I’m not that woman you raised, Kent. I’m a different person now. And I just met my freaking real father last week.”
“What? What do you mean, your father?” There was a shock deep in his voice. He put his cutlery down.
I looked at Califf, talking through our link. “You did not tell him?”
“I thought it’s your story to tell and your decision to tell him or not. Up to you.”
“Honey?” Kent held my hand. “What’s going on? You’ve just been away for a few months, and I don’t know about many things that happened to you.”
“I’m so sorry. I’m not trying to hide this world from you, but I want to protect you. But yeah. My biological father isn’t Samuel. He had an identical twin and still lives. He’s a prick, self-centered, arrogant, controlling Alpha.” I sighed exasperatingly. “And now he wants us to have a formal dinner with him.”
“Then go. Give it a chance. Get to know him.”
“I swear, Kent. He’s an ass.”
“Language, honey.”
“I’m sorry. He just pissed me off. He wants me to be the breeder of his kingdom.”
“What the-?” Califf growled. His eyes were glowing gold. I knew his wolf felt threatened.
“Calm down.” I held his thigh, squeezing it.
“I swear I’m going to rip his throat and everyone in his pack,” he said through clenched teeth. Kent just stared at him, unblinking.
“That won’t be necessary. I already made my point. And keep your wolfy under control, Alpha. You don’t wanna scare Kent and the rest of the people in the restaurant.” I looked around, and they were obviously oblivious to our kind.
“My apologies.” He blinked it off.
“He’s powerful and strong. He didn’t even flinch when I threatened him while his throat was in my claws.”
“I’ve heard about him. And I thought it was just a myth, or maybe he doesn’t exist anymore,” Califf admitted.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
He looked at me. “Because there is no way he would accept my invitation to a sitdown with a werewolf. That’s why I’m cautious about crossing his line. I was grateful he’s not the one who drugged you and hurt one of my pack because there’s no way I can win against someone like him, Shadow.”
I suddenly felt his fear, and he never showed it to anyone. It was a weakness for an Alpha when he was supposed to be feared.
“He’s the most powerful Alpha I’ve encountered. You have to be very careful not to provoke him, Alpha. I’ve met a few Lycans. Samuel was also strong, but he weakened when he left his family. And trust me, I’ve seen many in my long years of life, but this one, he is different. If you want an ally, you better impress him.”
“And he’s your mate’s father, Alpha,” Kindra said.
“Well, I’m not happy I found him.” I sighed again. “I shouldn’t have searched for my kind.”
“What’s your plan, Shadow?”
I looked at Califf. “Eat the whole steak and drink a bottle of wine.”
My answer made him groan.
The food just arrived on time.
“Fine. We’ll go to that dinner, but if he insults you, we’re leaving. And I don’t want you to die. I mean, I don’t doubt your power and strength and fighting strategy, but I’m not risking your life. Let him go to hell. I don’t need him if he doesn’t give me what I want.”
“It’s just a dinner, baby. Relax.”
“He is cunning. He deceived my mother. I’m sure he has something up his sleeve because I disagreed with his terms. This dinner is not just dinner. Trust me. I can feel it in my bones. I already hated him for what he did to my mother and for breaking my father’s heart. I’ve lived a good life without him. Why now?”
“Do you have any idea about this dinner?” Califf asked Zarah.
“Dinner is not like our dinner, like this one or a dinner party. There are important people invited, leaders from different species. So expect fae, weres, witches, and lycans, of course. Probably vampires.”
“A vampire?” I asked in disbelief. “Aren’t they like mortal enemies?”
“Yeah. But all grudges are set aside during dinner. Witches are there to make sure no one will sabotage the evening.”
“Wow,” Kindra reacted.
“Weapons are not allowed, potions too. There could be a fight in the ring as their entertainment. And he picks the contestants.”
“Of course he does.” I rolled my eyes as I turned to Califf, who had been clenching his jaw tight. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”
“Yeah. We’ll talk about that dinner later.” He kissed me on the lips before we ate.
***
After dinner, I went to Kent to his hotel room.
“Where’s your assistant?” I looked around his hotel suite and found no one.
“She’s in the other room.”
“Are you still protected?”
“Yeah. The driver is a werewolf.” He poured scotch into a glass and offered it to me.
“Yes. I smelled him earlier.” I sipped it while he was pouring it for himself.
“Are you happy, honey?”
“Yeah.” My answer was quick.
“You’re not scared?”
I shook my head. “For myself, no. For everyone I care about, yes. I’m terrified for you, Califf, my friends, and everyone in the pack.”
“Now you sound like a true Luna.” He smiled proudly. “You are a natural born, honey.”
I went to him to hug him. “I never really tell you how much you mean to me and how much I love you. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, Kent. Thank you so much. And I love you more than you know.”
“I love you, too, honey. Do you love Califf?”
“Yes. I love him with or without our bond.”