(Ruby)
We arrived in Portland with no problems. Karson said he got us a room at the Wolfton hotel, in case I didn’t want to stay in my old pack. I was thankful for that. Immediately, I grabbed a shower once we got inside the room. Karson was already in his tux and waiting. He sure knows how to make a tux look hot!
I decided to curl my hair and leave it down tonight. I placed my tiara on my head and secured it in place. I had to have Karson help me with my dress. It took him an hour to get me in the damn thing, only because the first time he took it off immediately, he said he needed to have me right then and now because he’d never seen a dress look so good on me. I couldn’t help but laugh at that.
Karson took one last look at me before we left the room before saying, 'I cant wait to get you out of that dress again.’ His comment made me blush, but I couldn’t disagree with him. Looking in the mirror, I could see what he saw. I was radiant in that red dress. The low cut out in the back of the dress brought out my slender back and the train flowed with me with every step. I was thankful that I brought a similar colored shawl in case it got chilly there.
When we did finally leave the room, a limo was waiting just outside the main entrance of the hotel. I took a deep breath and entered the limo.
The ten-minute drive felt agonizing. Karson kept his hand on mine, squeezing it ever so often. I knew he wouldn’t leave my side no matter what, so I had some relief there. The limo pulled up to my old pack house and I could feel my nerves once again act up.
You are fine. You can do this. That was all I could tell myself.
The limo door opened and Karson exited first, he reached his hand out for mine and I anxiously took it. Walking up the steps to the main door of the pack house stood an omega dressed in a black suit and tie.
“Name, please.” He asked nervously.
“Alpha Karson and my Luna from Sunset Crest pack.” Karson responded.
The omega checked the clipboard, bowed his head and walked us to the front door to introduce us.
“Introducing Alpha Karson and his Luna from Sunset Crest.”
Karson gave me one last squeeze on my hand before placing it around his arm and walking me through the door. I kept my head held high as we entered the house. I could hear gasps from some who were shocked to see that Karson had a date, others gave me the side eye. I was feeling fine, until my body tensed. That’s when I saw Collin walking up to me and Karson with a wicked smile on his face.
“Welcome Home, Ruby!”
It was the way Collin said my name that sent chills down my back. Karson felt my tension. He looked down at me and gave me a smile before extending his hand to Collin.
“I think what you meant to say was Welcome Alpha Karson and Luna Ruby!”
That’s right, you tell him mate! Rooted Flora. I couldn’t help but smile at that. I was impressed as well that my mate spoke up on my behalf.
“I’m sorry, Alpha Karson, but you must be mistaken, you see Ruby is my pack member and has been missing for 3 years. She did not have permission from me to leave, therefore…” Karson cut Collin off before he could continue.
“If I’m correct, it was your father, Alpha Michael, who banished Ruby to leave and, at the time, I do recall you were NOT the alpha then. Am I mistaken?” Karson looked at Collin, who was now glaring at him. Karson looked at me and smiled and opened his mouth.
“My Luna, would you care for a dance? I do believe I hear music.”
“Yes, my Alpha. I’d love nothing more,” I said. We walked past Collin and I could feel his eyes on me.
Collin grabbed my forearm, turning my attention from Karson to him in a heartbeat.
“Ruby, we need to talk in private.” He ordered, more than asking. The way he grabbed me caused me to wince in pain.
“GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY MATE!” Screamed Karson, who now had grabbed Collin by the collar. Everyone who was here tonight had their eyes on us. I, on the other hand, was trying to get out of Collins' grasp.
“Do not make me repeat myself. Take your hands off of my mate!” Karson, with his Alpha aura seeping out of him, still holding Collin by the collar, was now bearing his canines in full force.
For a moment, I thought Karson might actually kill him. That was until Alpha Michael walked up. Collin dropped my arm in an instant and Karson, still holding Collin by the collar, looked at Alpha Michael and said.
“Get ahold of your son and teach him some manners. He must have forgotten that he is touching someone who does not belong to him!”
“I do apologize, Alpha Karson, I will deal with my son immediately.” Alpha Michael said as he bowed his head and grabbed Collin and walked the other way.
“Ruby, are you alright?” Karson asked me, worried.
“Yes, I’m fine. I knew this could happen, just didn’t think it would happen so openly, you know.” I replied honestly.
Karson led us to our table which had our names on place cards. I could see some omegas dressed as servers carrying serving trays with champagne. Karson grabbed us a drink and as I was about to take a sip, an unknown man with a beautiful woman walked up to us.
“Karson, old friend. It’s nice to see you.” The unknown man said as Karson grabbed his hand to shake.
“Joseph, long time no see and this must be Peyton.” Karson said as he planted a kiss on her hand. “Ruby, this is Alpha Joseph Matthews and his Luna Peyton, from Crystal Stone Pack. Joseph is also a council member.” I looked up at Karson and stood up to shake their hands.
“Hello, Alpha Joseph, Luna Peyton. I’m Ruby, Karson’s Mate and Luna of Sunset Crest.” I said, taking turns to shake their hands.
“We would like to discuss some serious matters that have come into play as of recently,” Karson says, turning to Alpha Joseph. As they continued to talk, Peyton turned to talk to me.
“So, congratulations are in order. I’m so happy that Karson has finally found his mate.”
“What do you mean?” I questioned.
“Normally, we don’t see Karson come to events like these, but on certain occasions when he did have to make an appearance and attend, he always had, oh gosh, what was her name, Olivia, I think it was.” Peyton pauses before continuing.
“No one really liked her, she always made it known that she would be Luna. Personally, I hated the way she threw herself at Karson.” I knew exactly what she was talking about. The first time I met her, I got nothing but dirty looks from her.
“I’m glad Karson is my mate. He has shown me what true love feels like. I’d be lost without him.” I said openly.
Peyton looks at me and smiles. For the first time, I feel like I’ve made a friend. It felt good to talk to another girl besides Hope.
“I don’t mean to pry, but what was that all about with Alpha Collin?” Peyton asked.
“Well, this actually used to be my pack,” I replied. Peyton looked at me shocked. I could tell she wanted to know more but she didn’t ask.
“I won’t lie to you, so if you would like to know more please ask. Karson knows everything.” I told her.
“Why was Alpha Collin saying you have been missing for 3 years?” She asked, hesitantly.
“I wasn’t missing. Alpha Michael banned me and I was ordered to leave that same night. Collin and I used to be a fling, and I…” I stopped before continuing, “I found out I was pregnant, somewhere between my tears and all, I was trying to force Collin to talk to me and that’s when Alpha Michael ordered me to leave.” As the words left my lips a single tear fell from my face. Peyton embraced me in a hug.
“I’m so sorry that happened to you. Honestly, it was probably for the best.” Peyton responds, holding my hands in hers. We were talking for a few minutes, when I noticed a blonde-haired woman coming up to us.
“Excuse me Luna Peyton, I don’t mean to interrupt, I wanted to meet the mysterious mate everyone was talking about.” I got a better look at her and realized this was Heather. I wasn’t involved with a lot of people from my old pack, but Heather had quite a reputation back then. She was known as the pack slut. From what I could see, she looked radiant in her lavender dress and hair in a tight bun.
I extend my hand and introduced myself, “Hello, I’m Luna Ruby of Sunset Crest.” She takes my hand and looks at me in a weird way.
“Ruby, as in Ruby Hale?” She questioned.
“Yes, you're Heather, right?” I asked.
“Actually, it’s Luna Heather now. I’m Collins' chosen mate. It has been for 3 years now and we're actually expecting an heir.” Heather says with a smirk on her face, placing her hand on her flat stomach.
“Congratulations, Luna Heather. I wish you a healthy pregnancy.” Peyton says, stepping into the conversation. I looked at her mouthing 'Thank you' before looking back at Heather.
“Yes, congratulations. If you will excuse me, I’m going to find my mate.” I told them, excusing myself. I had no quarrel with her. If anything, I was more upset that Karson left my side. I look around trying to find my mate, when I do spot him, he’s in a conversation with Alpha Joseph and another man. I walked up to them and politely interrupted them.
“Sorry to interrupt, may I have a moment with my mate?”
The men all looked at me, Karson’s eyes shot up to mine when he realized he had broken his promise.
“No problem at all, Karson, we will catch up tomorrow.” The unknown man said.
“Absolutely. Joseph, Skylar, nice to see you all again.” Karson says before walking away with me.
“Ruby, are you OK?” He asks me, looking worried. Irritation is clearly written all over my face.
“What happened, I’m not gonna leave your side?” I snapped at him. Karson looks at me realizing he fucked up.
“Ruby, I’m so sorry, you were in deep conversation with Luna Peyton. I figured I would talk with Joseph and Alpha Skylar of Cross Stone Pack about you.” He says, looking resentful. I’m trying to be mad at him and yet I can’t.
“Don’t leave my side. OK.” I said, still looking upset.
“OK, my Luna.” Karson says, grabbing my hand and leading me back to our table.
(Collin)
My father had me by the arm, dragging me up to his office. The nerve of Alpha Karson claiming what is clearly not his. My father throws me into the office and shuts the door.
“What the hell is your problem!” He questions me. I rolled my eyes at him, not caring to listen to him.
“Are you out of your damn mind? Grabbing his Luna is considered a threat and treason. He is the last known royal bloodline and you, a stupid ignorant Alpha, grabbed his mate!” He spat out.
“Did you get a good look at his so-called mate father? Did anything about her look familiar to you?” I asked, fueling his already fired-up ass. “Let me spell it out for you father. That’s Ruby Hale. The girl you decided to banish and had you just let her talk you would have found out she was carrying my true heir.” I lashed out.
My father just stood there looking at me in disbelief. “And how in the hell do you know this, son?” He asked me.
“Because the night I found out Heather was to be my chosen mate, I shifted and Chase found her test past the pack gate.” I said through clenched teeth.
“Ruby is my rightful chosen mate and Luna in my pack, whether you like it or not. She will have her place next to me!” I walked past him, reaching for the door. My father stops me by grabbing my arm.
“Do I need to remind you who the Alpha is here or do I need to challenge you again?” I asked.
I challenged my father 3 years ago for the title of alpha. I took advantage of his poor health. Some would call it cheating. I called it playing smart. My father suffered a heart attack 2 months prior to me challenging him and it was worth it. I spent every minute sending my Beta and other warriors out to search for Ruby and yet none of them could find her. Even when I questioned Rick and Rayna I got nowhere.
“You’re going to make a fool of yourself.” He says before leaving me.
Famous words from the great Alpha Michael- Leo huffs.
Ain’t that the truth- I said in agreement with my wolf.
I headed out the door, down the stairs and back to my guests. I keep my eyes peeled for Ruby. I spot her sitting at her table with Karson, sipping her champagne. She looked so sexy in that red dress, I could picture myself ripping it off of her and having my way. Thinking about it makes me hard. I have to admit she’s gotten better looking since the last time I saw her.
I grabbed Heather and led her up with me to the stage and began the Fundraiser.
“Welcome distant Alpha’s and Luna’s and honored guests. I’m Alpha Collin. I want to thank you all for allowing me to host this year.” Everyone is clapping, all except a few, including Ruby, Karson, Alpha Joseph and Alpha Skylar.
Fuck, is this Karsons’ doing? I thought to myself.
Maybe try a different approach later. Leo tells me.
I need those Alpha’s on my side. They are all on the council board and so far I’ve made a bad impression.
“Tonight's festivities are in honor of Alpha Karson, who generously donated 50,000 dollars to the orphanage charity which houses children who have lost their families in rogue attacks.” Heather says, the crowd once again cheers and claps.
“In a few moments we will start off the raffling and silent auctions, but before we continue, Alpha Collin and myself would like to announce that the Emerald Forest pack will have an heir on the way.” I turned to Heather, who was smiling ear to ear. She looks at me as I mind link her.
I didn’t give you permission to announce that. I will deal with you later.
She looks scared for a moment but turns to wave at the crowd as she walks off the stage. I too followed suit and walked off the stage, leaving everyone to mingle a bit longer before we continued. I casually walk up to Karson and play nice. Karson sees me coming and stands up in front of Ruby.
“Alpha Karson, Luna Ruby. I believe we got off on the wrong foot. Allow me to make it up to you both, we have prepared the best rooms available to you both.” I said, pretending to make amends.
Karson gives me a look, but it’s Ruby who speaks up.
“Thank you Alpha Collin for your generosity, but that isn’t necessary. You see, we already have a room booked at the Wolfton hotel, so we are all set. Why not give those rooms to someone else?”
I swear if Karson wasn’t standing there right now I would have dragged her ass to my room, bent her over and spanked her for talking to me the way she did just now. I must have a look of disbelief on my face because Ruby smirked before looking at Karson.
“My love, I’m getting tired. Do you think we can retire to our hotel? I want to be refreshed when I introduce you to my family as my mate.”
I can feel my anger rising. This isn’t supposed to be like this. I was hoping they would take me up on my offer and stay here, I wanted to be as close to her as possible. Ruby flips her hair off of her shoulder, that’s when I see his mark. My anger boils and I swear I blacked out because the next thing I know, Karson has me by the throat, Heather is screaming and my father is trying to reason with him.