Diane’s POV
I watched as Reyna and Stephanie walked into the ballroom, and to my surprise, they both exuded a confidence that seemed out of place.
Reyna, in particular, was drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the room. Her dress clung to her figure, flowing elegantly with every step she took. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy rise within me. She was glowing, radiant in a way that made it clear she knew how much power she held tonight.
Nene leaned in again, whispering, “Reyna looks stunning, doesn’t she? I thought you’d care.”
I scoffed, trying to hide the annoyance brewing in my chest. “She’s irrelevant. Don’t let her looks fool you.”
But even as I said that, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. There was something about Reyna that bothered me-a deeper mystery I couldn’t yet unravel. She had become too comfortable, too confident in a pack where she should have felt like an outsider. And tonight, it felt like she was preparing for something bigger than just an evening with the lords.
“Hope it’s not what I’m thinking?” Nene asked.
“What’s that?” My heart raced. “Had she come hoping she’d be chosen by the lords as the Alpha’s mate?” I wondered.
“That…”
“Hold it Nene,” I interrupted her half way her conversation. I already knew what she wanted to say.
Turning to Lord Bernard, I caught his gaze from across the room. He gave me a knowing nod. Our earlier conversation echoed in my mind. He had assured me not to worry, but seeing Reyna now, I felt a sense of urgency. There was no way I would allow her to win over the lords or secure a position in this pack that could threaten my influence.
Just as I was about to walk over and speak to Lord Bernard, Jake made his way toward Reyna. His eyes were fixed on her, and for the first time in a long while, I saw something unfamiliar in his expression-hesitation. He had been keeping his distance from her, but tonight, it seemed like he was drawn back in.
“Mistress Diane,”I see you’ve been observing closely.” Lord Bernard said, walking towards me. He must have been watching me, seeing the looks on my eyes as I stared at Jake and Reyna wondering what exactly was going on with the two.
“I always do,” I replied, keeping my tone light but pointed. “But tonight, it seems we have more to watch than usual.”
Bernard glanced toward Reyna and Jake. “Indeed. It seems the brothers are navigating their own conflicts. And Reyna… well, she’s certainly capturing attention.”
“Attention she doesn’t deserve,” I muttered.
Lord Bernard raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps. But be careful, Diane. Sometimes the ones who appear to be of little consequence can surprise us all.”
I clenched my jaw, my patience wearing thin. “I’m not worried about Reyna or anyone else. I know what I’m doing.”
He chuckled softly. “I’m sure you do. But tread carefully. The game is changing, and soon, the lords will decide what happens next.”
I nodded, but inside, I was already plotting. If Reyna thought she could come into this pack and take what I had worked so hard to build, she was mistaken. There was no way I would let her win-not against me. Not ever.
John was already seated in the Alpha’s seat, his usual composed demeanor firmly in place. It was clear he was the leader here, but the tension between the brothers was unmistakable. I noticed how they had reacted towards each other when they walked into the ball room.
They had exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them that I couldn’t decipher. Sometimes, I wonder how they were able to live like that. They weren’t really enemies, and could be funny together at times, but in most cases, it was the exact opposite.
He stood to his feet as the alpha of the pack, ready to address the pack. I was waiting for what Jake wanted to do, but he didn’t as much say anything to Reyna, before making his way to his own seat, the same seat that he rarely ever uses.
“Jake’s acting strange,” Nene whispered again. “What do you think it means?”
“I think,” I said slowly, “it means Reyna’s influence is stronger than we thought. But that won’t last long.”
Reyna had a target on her back now. I would make sure of it.
Lord Urich and Lord Filipe walked into the ball room and everyone rose to their feet. With a gentle nod, they both walked straight to their seats.
They greeted the house, after which they asked everyone to take their seats.
“We’ll wait till the seer comes in before we proceed,” lord Felipe said.
The seer walked in almost immediately after lord Felipe said what he said, his eyes scanning the entire ball room like he was looking for someone.
“I thought this was a party,” he said. There was this smile on his face and I couldn’t help but imagine what was making him smile.
“Yes it is,” lord Bernard replied. But we’ll only party after we’ve received who the Alpha’s mate is.”
“Talking about a picking a mate for the alpha, that won’t be taking place tonight,” the seer boldly declared, much to the surprise of the lords and every other person in the room.
“But why?” Lord Bernard asked.
“Yes, why?” Lord Urich chimed in.
The seer raised a hand, silencing him with a look.
“The threads of destiny are more complex than you know, my lords. The time is not yet right. The Alpha’s mate cannot be chosen until certain events have unfolded.”
I felt a shiver run down my spine as his words hung in the air. The atmosphere in the ballroom shifted-what was supposed to be a night of celebration had turned into something more ominous.
I glanced at Jake, who was watching the seer closely. His eyes were narrowed, and I could tell he was thinking hard about something, perhaps the same thoughts that now filled my mind.
Reyna stood off to the side, clearly unsettled. Her presence here had already caused a stir, but now with the seer’s announcement, I could feel the tension in the room rising. Something wasn’t right.
Lord Urich wasn’t satisfied. “We’ve traveled here for answers, Seer. If not tonight, then when?”
The seer gave a cryptic smile. “Patience, Lord Urich. The answer will come soon enough. But until then, there are other matters to attend to. Forces are moving in the shadows, and soon, you will understand why tonight is not the night.”