Chapter 106
Skylar
Today is the day. Alpha Max will pick me up later for our date, and I’m nauseous. I don’t want to go out with the prick, but I know this is what’s best for my pack and friends.
“Do you want to borrow one of my dresses?” Irma asks and sighs “I know your date with Alpha Max isn’t supposed to be fun, but you can at least look good.”
I choke back a sob and offer her a weak smile, grateful for her support. “I’d appreciate that, Irma.”
She leaves momentarily and returns with a beautiful emerald gown, mimic the moon’s surface.
“I think this will look beautiful on you,” she says softly. The color suits you.”
with tiny silver embellishments that
In the mirror. I look at myself. Irma’s right; the emerald green is stunning against my skin. It brings out the wild in my eyes, and my red hair looks like fire. Even my freckles are cute. I should feel beautiful, but all I feel is a twisting emptiness. This dress isn’t for Lucas; it’s for Alpha Max.
“Don’t worry.” Inma whispers beside me, her eyes also focused on my reflection. “If anyone can do this, it’s you. You will charm Alpha Max and secure the Bloodmoon pack’s future. I know you will.”
Her hand is on my shoulder and I place mine over hers without word. It feels like I’m carrying the weight of the world.
When I walk down the stairs, I pause. My parents are watching me and so is Lucas. He looks sad and confused. I don’t blame him. He doesn’t know what I do and that I have to do this in order to save everyone, including him.
“Skylar, are you sure about this?” My dad’s voice is low, filled with paternal concern.
Lucas stiffens at his side but remains silent. His eyes look me up and down, making everything inside of me tingle. I really wish I could just reject Alpha Max and go out with Lucas instead but I can’t.
“I have to be,” I reply, forcing a tremulous smile.
“Well, consider me jealous of Alpha Max. You look gorgeous, Lucas says and my eyes flicker to him.
He looks beautiful in his casual attire, every inch the quadbrid Alpha. I want to run to him and tell him everything that’s brewing inside me, but Jinx’s voice echoes inside my head.
“Telling him won’t solve things. It will only make him determined to find another way when there isn’t any.”
The doorbell rings then, and everyone stiffens, It’s Alpha Max.
As I move toward the front door, I can feel the crushing wave of silence behind me. Irma is biting her lip nervously, my dad frowning and my mom is standing there with tears welled up in her eyes.
I reach out and open the door.
Alpha Max stands there dressed impeccably in a black suit, a prelatory grin on his face. His cold green eyes focus sharply on mine, and for a moment, we stand there, gauging each other. I know what he sees: a pretty little thing decked. for him –
but I refuse to let-that intimidate me.
up
*Good evening, Skylar,” he says smoothly, offering his arm.
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Chapter 100
I take a deep breath, taming the lump in my throat before linking my arm with his. “Good evening, Alpha Max.”
Just as we’re about to leave, I steal one last glance over my shoulder at Lucas. His face is stoic, but the pain in his gaze is unmistakable. With that image etched into my mind, I know I won’t enjoy even a second of this date.
But that doesn’t matter. The only thing I need to do is think about my pack’s survival.
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It’s dark outside, the stars shining brightly against the blue canvas of the sky. It’s beautiful, hauntingly so, like a masterpiece painted with sorrow. The wind whispers secrets to the trees as Alpha Max leads me toward the awaiting black limousine.
As we approach the vehicle, the chauffeur steps forward, opening the door with a shallow bow. His face is impassive behind dark sunglasses, giving nothing away.
‘He is a vampire. Jinx says. “That’s why he is wearing sunglasses in the dark-to hide his red eyes!
‘I see.
Regardless of his species, I give the chauffeur a tiny nod of acknowledgment, then turn back to Alpha Max.
“Thank you for this,” I say, forcing a smile at him as I take my seat in the upscale interior of the limo. The words taste like bile on my tongue, but they have to be said.
He regards me with those predatory eyes of his and nods, settling into the seat across from me. “I hope you’ll enjoy tonight’s arrangements.”
I can only pray that’ll be the case.
The ride is silent – a stifling quiet that threatens to swallow me whole. I keep my focus on the passing scenery outside, hoping that Alpha Max doesn’t notice how my hands are clenched into tight fists in my lap.
I mean, how could I possibly enjoy this when I know Alpha Maxis Lucian’s host?
When we arrive at our destination, an upscale restaurant nestled between towering skyscrapers, the contrast couldn’t be greater. Warm lights glow from within, casting long shadows on the sidewalk. A group of suited men stand at attention near the entrance-most likely Alpha Max’s personal security detail.
“You didn’t have to do all this,” I say as we step inside the lobby.
“I wanted to treat you right,” Alpha Max says.
We’re seated at an intimate table near the back, candlelight flickering over our faces. The staff seem to treat Alpha Max with fear – it’s clear he has been here before, and they know who he is I stay quiet, my heart pounding in my chest as we are presented with menus.
Alpha Max orders for both of us. I hardly register what he says. As the waiter leaves, Alpha Max leans back in his chair, his green eyes studying me intensely.
“Is everything alright, Skylar?” he asks, his predatory grin reappearing on his face.
I force a smile onto my face. “Yes, Alpha Max,” I reply, but my voice quavers slightly betraying me.
Alpha Max doesn’t seem fazed by this, though. Instead, he chuckles lightly, leaning back in his chair as he takes a sip from his wine glass.
After what feels like an eternity, our food arrives. A gourmet spread that would make any foodie drool. Yet all I can think about is how Lucas would have ordered separately without presuming what I wanted.
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Throughout dinner, Alpha-Max talks about himself and his pack about how his power has grown ever since he became the Alpha. He speaks with arrogance and pride two traits that send shivers down my spine for all the wrong reasons.
Finally, as dessert is served. Alpha Max looks at me with a glint in his eyes. “So, Skylar,” he begins, “Tell me about you always been special?”
you.
Have
*Tell him the truth, that you are just awakening and don’t know what your powers can do yet. If he doesn’t see us as a threat, things will be easier,” Jinx says.
“Easter?”
“We need a plan to get out of this mess. Unless you want to actually marry this guy.”
‘Hell no. All he talks about is how powerful he is. It’s been an hour, and now, when he is finally showing interest in me, it’s a question about my power.”
‘Mhm, the guy is clearly obsessed with power. Be careful of what you share. Show him the weaker side, the confused side. Jinx instructs.
I take a deep breath and lean forward slightly, mustering the most sincere look on my face. “Actually, I’m in a confusing phase right now. My powers, they are just awakening and I don’t really know how to control them or what they can do yet.”
–
Alpha Max’s eyes narrow slightly, but then he smiles an unsettling smile that sends chills down my spine.
“I see,” he says, swirling his wine glass. “Perhaps I can help you harness them. We can learn together.”
His words taste like venom. But I swallow it down and nod, feigning gratitude.
“Thank you, Alpha Max,” I say, hoping my distaste doesn’t leak into my voice. “That might be helpful.”
He seems satisfied with my response, and the conversation floats back to safer waters for the remainder of our date. As we finish up with the dessert, Alpha Max signals for the check, and within minutes, we are heading back to the limo.
The ride back home is just as quiet as before. But this time. it’s a little less stifling knowing that I have successfully planted seeds of doubt in Alpha Max’s mind about my powers.
As Alpha Max walks me to the doorstep, he takes my hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss – another calculated move that revolts me but all I can do is plaster a fake smile on my
face.
“Thank you for tonight, Skylar,” he says smoothly. “I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon.”
I give him the fakest smile known to history. “Likewise.”
Alpha Max looks like he wants to kiss me, but I begin to walk toward the door. “See you around”, I say.
His teeth glint in the moonlight. “Oh, we will see each other a lot from now on, Skylar. You intrigue me, and you will be the perfect Luna to birth my pups.
Eww! Hell no!
Remember to look happy!’ Jinx warns me.
Fine!
I smile radiantly. “Sounds like a blessing”
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As soon as the limousine pulls away, my smile vanishes. I let out a breath I hadn’t known I was holding and hurry inside. I never want to see that man again…
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