Chapter 10
I walked into the Alpha’s chamber, my beta in toe, but he was stopped from entering with me. They claimed it was an exclusive dinner, with the Alpha and his family, and no one else was allowed.
I almost rolled my eyes in irritation as I walked into the high-end Alpha Chamber, which had been developed slightly over the years. Their image came into view as soon as I stepped in, and it took everything in me not to stop and go back.
“Ah, Damon, brother. You are here.” Morgan’s voice came from the other end of the table.
My feet dratted to a stop, and I forced a smile to my face, trying to match the smile he had on his face, but I was sure mine was obviously strained.
“Brother, its been a long time.” I managed to say, my lips straining. “How have you been?”
Morgan unfolded himself from the chair, and came to give me a short hug which was mostly a pat on the back.
“I'm glad to have you back. It's been what, 20 years?” He asked with that smile. “Please come in. Make yourself at home.” Morgan, my brother, said as he led the way back to the table where his wife and their son sat waiting with their obvious fake smiles.
I watched Morgan’s large muscular frame, hunched as he led the way to the table. He pointed on a seat for me to settle in, before he took his seat on one that I found to be strangely small for him and his wife.
Their son, Seth, seemed unwilling to pretend to like me, which I found strangely comforting infact. At least his hate filled look reminded me of where I was, and the fact that none of them wanted me here in anyway. I was more like a threat to them, someone everyone hated and yet was afraid of. They were not family; they were just foes in family clothing.
I forced a grin, trying to hide my disdain. “You don't say brother. It has indeed been so long. I'm as glad to be back home as you are.” I replied as I settled into the seat, he had gestured for me to sit in.
My brother's nice facade was something I had grown to understand for what it was, and I hated the pretentious act of him pretending to actually miss me when he clearly did not.
“We should definitely catch up on old times brother, I have missed you. Why don’t we eat dinner together while we discuss more.” Alpha Morgan hurriedly added.
My eyes caught Seth roll his eyes, and then he said coldly. “Dad, I have somewhere to be, can I go now?
My brother seemed a little caught of guard at his son’s action. He flashed me an apologetic smile, and then glared at his son, but his tone was light when he spoke. “Son, you can’t leave just yet. Your uncle just arrived. We will all sit together and discuss more about his trips. Surely, he has a lot of interesting tales to tell us about his victory and travels. Don’t you Damon?”
I flashed him another smile but didn’t say anything. I saw the anger in Seth’s eyes and knew he was far from being satisfied which was indeed funny, because I too wanted nothing to do with them.
My brother’s Luna, Julie, watched us all beneath her lashes, but despite the smile she had on her face as she ate her food, I could feel the energy emanating from her.
Four young maids walked in with trays after they'd carefully positioned more food on the table, glass and the chilled bottle of old vintage wine, they scurried out of the room.
Morgan's Luna rose to her feet, filling each of the glass with wine. She handed it over to them.
“Thank you having me Julie, and you look as beautiful as ever.” I told her, trying to lighten the tense air between us.
She giggled lightly, as she settled back into her seat. “Well, thank you Alpha Damon. You are too kind.” She added somewhat shyly, before flicking imaginary strands of hair behind her ears, smiles now playing on her lips.
It was a bit ironic that what it took to shift her mood was just a compliment, maybe I should do that more.
Morgan cleared his throat, and spoke. “So dear brother, tell me, how has life been in the Rift sector?” He asked with a smile.
I swirled the contents of my glass, wrinkling my nose. I disliked wine, bringing the glass to my lips, I took a reluctant Sip before speaking.
“It has been great; am sure you have heard news. You guys should come visit the rest of the pack one of these days, you'd love it.” I teased with a small smile.
I knew there was no way they will agree to that, they feared rogues as much as they feared Wolfs bane. Infact, a werewolf's natural instinct has always been to kill any lone wolf. But I was no lone wolf. I had one of the biggest pack of rogues in all the five states, and this made them see me as a threat, including my brother, I knew he only felt intimidated, feared I might one day seek retribution for what he and his tribe of royal elders did to me.
“I heard news of how you single handedly destroyed the Iron vale. How did it feel your pack is sitting on one of the biggest mineral resources in all the five states. You've clearly made a name for yourself, Damon, I'm proud of you.” He told me. But beneath his words, I felt something there. Fear, and jealousy.
He was still afraid of me. Even though that was a good ground to stand on, i only knew that it would make him want to eliminate me, like he had tried to before. I needed to be careful here.