I blush. “I really don’t do anything Alpha.”
He laughs again. “All the better. And would you call me dad already. You already called her mom.” He points at his wife dancing with Markus.
I smile. “Alright, dad.”
He nods. “Much better.” He spins me around. “So are you liking the ball so far?”
I nod. “Yes, it is very nice. Mom did a great job.”
“She always does. She doubts her abilities, but she always makes everything perfect. She said this time you had a hand in helping.”
“Really it was her. She is being modest, she just had me look over the lists. See if she missed anything. She was nervous about a possible daughter in law not liking her. I told her that was impossible but she didn’t believe me.”
“Yeah, she has self esteem issues. She is much like you in that way.”
I cock my head to the side. “What do you mean?”
He smiles. “I have seen the way you shy away sometimes. You weren’t treated the best growing up. Darius told me about your family, I am sorry I didn’t know about that. I am assuming that you don’t think very highly of yourself. It’s a lot like her. She still doesn’t like to meet new people. Always worried they will think less of her.”
I shake my head. “That is a shame. She is an amazing woman.”
“So are you my dear.” He spins me again. “Don’t ever doubt yourself. I know Darius thinks the world of you.”
“Sometimes I just think he thinks too much of me.” I blush again, saying this to my Alpha is hard.
“I wouldn’t worry about it. He isn’t going to let you forget how much he loves you.”
I need to change the subject. “How did you meet the Luna?”
He smiles, “At a dinner much like this one. It was in her pack. Her father was celebrating her older brother having a child. I was still mateless but I went only to make good relations with the neighboring pack. I wasn’t looking for a mate. That is until I caught her scent. That alone had me hooked.”
I smile at the story. Then he gets a tap on his shoulder. He turns and sees Markus. “Mom said it is time to change partners.”
The Alpha winks at me. “Well, my dear, more on that night later.” He goes off to find his next dance partner.
Markus puts out his hand for me to take. As soon as my hand touches his I brace for the shock that I am hoping doesn’t come, but it does. He bites his bottom lip. Pulls me into the dancing position. I keep a bit of space between us. “Are you going to tell me that is static electricity too?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
He cocks an eyebrow at me. “Really, that is what you are going with?”
“I still have no idea what you are talking about.”
“I know that Darius isn’t your fated mate. I don’t give a shit what he told our parents. What I want to know is why you didn’t wait for me?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Don’t give me that crap Sophia.”
“Will you keep your voice down? People are starting to stare.”
“Why didn’t you wait for me?”
“Darius is my mate.” I can’t tell him the truth. I want to, I want to so badly. I know what this feeling is, I keep trying to brush it off. I don’t understand why we still feel it.
“You are my mate and you know it as well as I do.”
“I think maybe we should find other partners. You seem to be upset.”
He rolls his eyes but doesn’t let me go. “Who wouldn’t be upset? I came home to find my mate mated to my brother.”
“Look, I don’t know what you feel, because I am mated to Darius, it is impossible for you to feel the mate bond.” I try to pull back but he grips harder.
“And yet here we are. I can’t explain it either. I just know what this is.” He gives me a determined look. “Was I just not supposed to know that you didn’t want me? Was that your plan?”
“Markus, I didn’t have a plan. None of this is any part of my plan.” I try to pull away from him.
“You aren’t getting away that easily.” He emits a low growl. “I want answers. I estimate we still have some time.”
“I can’t give you answers. I literally can’t. You want answers you are going to have to ask Darius.”
His eyes bore into mine. “Why? Why can’t you, I deserve it.”
I look right back at him, willing him to understand. To know what I am saying without saying it. “I can’t.” I can feel tears streaming down my face. “Look, you are better off anyway. I am not strong. I would never be a good Luna. I am weak and pathetic.” I manage to pull away from him and I have to get away. I run. All the way to the bathrooms. I want to be alone. I lock myself in a stall and I am there for a while.