Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Reena (Clarissa) POV:

As we stepped into the grand ballroom, the sound of clinking glasses, soft music, and polite laughter enveloped us. The room was a sea of elegant gowns, tailored suits, and sparkling jewelry. I felt like a small fish in a vast ocean, my heart racing with every step.

The Feral Alpha, Beta Leo, and I were accompanied by a phalanx of bodyguards, who expertly shielded us from the reporters and cameras. I breathed a sigh of relief as we made our way through the crowds, the bodyguards clearing a path for us.

As we approached the center of the room, the other Alphas and Betas stood up, their faces a mixture of curiosity and deference. I spotted Silverton, his fist clenched, his eyes flashing with anger. He clearly didn't want to pay respects to the Feral Alpha, but he had to, lest he offend him. I felt a surge of satisfaction, knowing that, mighty as he was in his pack, he was still inferior to the Feral Alpha.

Emily, my fake friend who had betrayed me with Silverton, stared at me with shock written all over her face. I stared back at her, my eyes locked on hers. Her baby bump was more pronounced now, and she looked skinny. She glared at me, her expression twisted in a scowl, and I couldn't believe my eyes. I was the one who should be angry with her, not the other way around. I ignored her and focused on the Feral Alpha.

A middle-aged man, Alpha Zion of Unlimited MoonPack, approached us, a lady by his side. "Welcome to the gala party, Alpha Dante. We appreciate you showing up here and gracing us with your presence." The Feral Alpha nodded curtly and shook hands with Alpha Zion.

"Just came here to have some fun since I'm bored," the Feral Alpha replied, his voice low and husky.

Alpha Zion chuckled. "Still, I believe I'm special because you actually came when I'm the one hosting the party this year."

I glanced around, taking in the opulent decorations, the sparkling chandeliers, and the lavish buffet. The party was in full swing, with guests mingling, laughing, and dancing. The music was a soft, melodic tune, the perfect accompaniment to the evening's festivities.

The lady beside Alpha Zion, Cecelia, scrutinized me with an unapologetic gaze. I frowned, meeting her eyes, but she didn't budge. I decided to ignore her, some people were just rude, and I didn't want to engage with her.

Alpha Zion turned to Cecelia and smiled. "Actually, this is Cecelia. She's my daughter. She's the only one I have left after her mother, my mate, died. So, she always comes as my date to the party."

Cecelia smiled, her lips parting to reveal white teeth. "Hi, Alpha Dante. I'm Cecelia. I've always heard about you, and my father always sings your praises. And I'm deeply impressed by you."

The Feral Alpha nodded, his irritation evident. I tried to hide my smile, but Cecelia caught it and glared at me.

Alpha Zion gestured to the Feral Alpha's chair. "Alpha Dante, your chair is personally arranged by me. Please, come forward."

He turned to me, his eyes curious. "And if I may ask, Alpha, who is this lady?"

My heart skipped a beat as the Feral Alpha turned to me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I don't think my private life should be your concern, but she's my mate."

I couldn't believe my ears. This man was unbelievable. He was the one who had told me I wasn't worthy of being his mate. Shock was written all over Alpha Zion's and Cecelia's faces, and many people who heard diverted their attention to us. I was once again under the spotlight, and I felt like I was going to suffocate.

"I think you must be mistaken, Alpha," I whispered, trying to keep my cool. "I'm your maid, not your mate."

The Feral Alpha nodded, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Of course, you are not worthy to be my mate."

I felt a sting from his words, but I refused to show my emotions. Instead, I smiled sweetly, trying to play along with this charade. But inside, I was seething, my heart burning with anger and humiliation.

As we sat down, I couldn't help but notice Silverton's gaze, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. I ignored him, focusing on the delicacies spread before us. The waiters had covered our table with an assortment of drinks, desserts, and savory dishes. I picked a cake from the dessert platter and took a bite, the sweetness filling my bitter heart.

Just as I was starting to relax, I heard the sound of heels and footsteps approaching our table. I looked up to see Emily and Silverton standing before us, their faces smug and self-assured. My heart twisted into a knot again, and the cake turned bitter in my mouth.

Silverton, with a smirk on his face, introduced himself. "Hello, Alpha Dante. I believe you've heard of me. I'm Alpha Silverton of Moonlight pack."

I couldn't help but pity him. This man was playing with fire, and he would soon get burned. But why was he so smug about Moonlight pack? It was nowhere near the power and prestige of Starlight pack.

Alpha Dante cleaned his hands with a tissue, his eyes briefly glancing at Silverton before shifting to Beta Leo. "Leo, have you heard of him and his pack? Who is he?"

Silverton's face twisted into anger, but he managed to hide it with a clenched fist. This was a side of him I had never seen before, a side he had hidden from me for years. I could sense the tension between the two Alphas, the air thick with unspoken challenges.

Beta Leo looked up, his gaze fixed on Silverton as if he was trying to remember where he had seen his face or heard of his name. "Oh yes, he is the newly crowned Alpha of Moonlight pack."

Alpha Dante nodded, a smug smile spreading across his face. "I've never heard of you, Silverton. It's your father that I know."

The implication was clear: Silverton was a novice, a child playing at being an Alpha. Alpha Dante's words were a deliberate provocation, a challenge to Silverton's authority.

The insult was clear, and Silverton's face darkened with anger. I could sense the violence simmering beneath his surface, waiting to erupt. But Alpha Dante just smiled, his eyes never leaving Silverton's face.